'Hints at Giving Up on Return to Korea' Yoo Seung-jun, Third Visa Lawsuit Resumes Today (3rd)

*This content was translated by AI.

The second-instance appeal trial of Yoo Seung-jun's third lawsuit seeking a visa to return to Korea will resume.

Seoul High Court’s 8th Administrative Division (B) will hold the first argument session today (3rd) for the appeal case filed by Yoo Seung-jun against the U.S. Consulate General in Los Angeles, challenging the refusal of his visa issuance. Previously, Seoul Administrative Court’s 5th Division ruled in favor of Yoo Seung-jun during the first-instance judgment announcement on August 2025. In response, the Consul General at the U.S. Consulate General in Los Angeles filed an appeal through legal representatives, contesting the first-instance ruling.

At that time, the court stated, "It is difficult to conclude that Yoo Seung-jun’s words and actions pose a risk to South Korea’s national security, public order, or diplomatic relations." It further explained, "When comparing the public interest gained from banning Yoo Seung-jun's entry with his personal interests, the degree of infringement on him was greater, constituting a violation of the principle of proportionality."

However, the court added, "This ruling does not imply that Yoo Seung-jun’s past actions were appropriate. Even if his entry is permitted and he resides in Korea, considering the sufficiently matured level of public awareness, there is no concern that his presence or activities would harm South Korea's interests or safety." Additionally, in a separate first-instance lawsuit filed by Yoo Seung-jun seeking confirmation that the Ministry of Justice’s 2002 entry ban decision did not exist, the court dismissed all claims, ruling that "the matter lacks administrative action characteristics and is therefore not subject to judicial review."

Yoo Seung-jun has been unable to set foot in Korea for 24 years amid controversies over draft evasion, yet he has continued filing lawsuits to overturn visa refusals and lift entry bans on three separate occasions.

However, last June, Yoo Seung-jun expressed his intention to end the grueling 24-year legal battle through a video titled "I’ve Done Enough; I’m Ready to Stop."

Yoo Seung-jun wrote, "This may be the last time I post such a video. I have suffered greatly over the years and tried various ways to convey my feelings. In fact, I did not start this channel initially to share my story, but eventually found myself repeating the same narrative as if going in circles. However, just as truth does not change simply because people do not recognize it, I believe it is enough if you understand my heart."

He continued, "I have asked myself countless times, 'Why can't I forget Korea and why do I miss it so much?' Answering that question led me to realize that there is no longer a need to spend my time and passion explaining the reasons, clearing up misunderstandings, or defending myself. For years, I maintained this YouTube channel while rarely posting videos, hoping for a day when I could finally speak my truth properly. But now, I am truly okay. The fact that I can communicate with you is enough. Thank you sincerely for listening to my story and supporting me."

He further confessed, "Looking back, I have stubbornly lived for a very long time just to prove one fact: 'I am not the person they claim I am.' Of course, I still believe that is true today. But now, even if someone thinks differently of me, it is acceptable. I have already received so much love; there are countless things to be grateful for, and above all, I am happy. If anyone has been hurt because of me, I kindly ask for their forgiveness with a generous heart."

Attention will now focus on the positions taken by both the court and the parties involved in the upcoming first trial following these remarks.

Yoo Seung-jun had promised the public to enlist in the military but left for the United States at the end of 2001 using the return guarantee system alongside a deferment of his conscription. At that time, it is reported that the Military Manpower Administration accepted a written pledge from Yoo Seung-jun stating he would return immediately after completing his performance schedules in Japan and the U.S., thereby approving his departure. However, Yoo Seung-jun broke his promise to the Military Manpower Administration, obtained U.S. citizenship in Los Angeles in 2002, renounced his South Korean nationality, and landed at Incheon International Airport that February. He was unable to pass immigration inspection, remained for six hours, and then returned to the United States. His entry was banned under Article 11 of the Immigration Control Act, which prohibits the entry of individuals who may harm the interests of the Republic of Korea.

Subsequently, Yoo Seung-jun applied for an overseas Korean visa (F-4) at the Los Angeles Consulate General in October 2015. After the consulate rejected his application, he filed a lawsuit and secured two final victory rulings from the Supreme Court. Nevertheless, the Los Angeles Consulate General refused to issue a visa again in June 2024. In September 2024, Yoo Seung-jun initiated his third lawsuit, seeking cancellation of the refusal decision and filing a separate suit against the Ministry of Justice to confirm the non-existence of an entry ban decision. Even in this third administrative lawsuit, the Ministry of Justice clearly maintained its stance that it cannot permit Yoo Seung-jun’s entry into Korea.

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*This content was translated by AI.