He didn't go to the Marines, but his nephew is going... Yoo Seung-jun: "I'm truly proud" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Singer Yoo Seung-jun announced that his nephew has enlisted in the Marine Corps.

On the 29th, along with a family photo, Yoo Seung-jun addressed his nephew Harry, saying, "So you are now preparing to enlist in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. I am truly proud of you." He added, "I will pray that you do well and return safely. Uncle Steve."

Yoo Seung-jun, who had promised the public that he would enlist, left for the United States at the end of 2001 using a guarantee system for returning home, while delaying his military service. At the time, it is known that the Military Manpower Administration received a letter of commitment from Yoo Seung-jun stating, "I will return immediately after my concert schedules in Japan and the United States are finished," and approved his departure. However, Yoo Seung-jun broke his promise with the Military Manpower Administration, went through the process of acquiring U.S. citizenship in Los Angeles, USA in 2002, and renounced his Korean nationality. He then landed at Incheon International Airport that February but was unable to pass immigration inspection, staying for six hours before returning to the United States. His entry was prohibited under Article 11 of the Immigration Control Act, which states, "Entry is prohibited for persons who are deemed to pose a risk to the interests of the Republic of Korea."

Subsequently, Yoo Seung-jun applied for an Overseas Korean Visa (F-4) at the Consulate General in Los Angeles in October 2015. When the Consulate General in Los Angeles rejected his application, he filed a lawsuit and received two final victory rulings from the Supreme Court. However, the Consulate General in Los Angeles again refused to issue the visa in June 2024. In September 2024, Yoo Seung-jun initiated a third lawsuit by filing a suit for cancellation of the refusal decision along with a suit for confirmation of non-existence of the entry ban decision against the Ministry of Justice. Even in this third administrative lawsuit, the Ministry of Justice clearly stated its position that it could not allow Yoo Seung-jun's entry.

Yoo Seung-jun is currently awaiting the verdict on the appeal of his third visa issuance lawsuit regarding his return to Korea.

Amidst controversy over draft evasion, Yoo Seung-jun has been unable to set foot in Korean soil for 24 years, yet he continued lawsuits requesting the cancellation of visa issuance refusals three times, asking for the lifting of entry bans.

However, last June, through a video titled "I have done enough. I am trying to stop now," Yoo Seung-jun revealed his intention to end the 24th-year-long tedious fight.

Yoo Seung-jun wrote, "I think this will truly be my last video like this. I have been in a lot of pain during this time, and I have tried to convey my feelings through various methods." He continued, "In fact, I did not start this channel with the intention of telling my story from the beginning, but eventually, I found myself bringing up my story again as if I were treading water. However, just as the truth does not change simply because people do not recognize it, it is enough if only you understand my heart."

Yoo Seung-jun stated, "I have asked myself countless times, 'Why can't I forget Korea and why do I miss it so much?' As I answered that question, I realized. I no longer need to spend my time and passion explaining the reason, clarifying misunderstandings, or defending myself." He added, "I have maintained my YouTube channel without uploading many videos for several years because I wanted to correct things that were not true. I was waiting for a day when I could properly voice my opinion. But now, it is truly okay. It is enough just to be able to communicate with you like this. I sincerely thank you for listening to my story and supporting me."

He then confessed, "Looking back, I have lived stubbornly for a very long time to prove the single fact that 'I am not the kind of person they say I am.' Of course, I still believe that what is not true is not true. But now, it is okay even if someone thinks differently about me." He continued, "I have already received so much love, I am overflowing with things to be grateful for, and above all, I am happy. If there are any people who have been hurt because of me, I ask you to forgive me with a generous heart."

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*This content was translated by AI.