Singer Yoo Seung-jun's visa lawsuit heads to Supreme Court

Singer Yoo Seung-jun, known for his military service evasion controversy, faces a third legal battle regarding his entry into South Korea. Despite winning both the first and second instances of his latest lawsuit, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles has filed an appeal to the Supreme Court, contesting the decision to cancel the refusal of his visa issuance.

The legal dispute dates back to 2002, when Yoo acquired U.S. citizenship after previously promising to fulfill his mandatory military service in South Korea. This led to a long-standing entry ban by the South Korean government. While Yoo has won previous Supreme Court rulings in 2020 and 2023, the Consulate General has repeatedly denied his visa applications, citing concerns over national interest and public safety.

The appellate court previously ruled in Yoo's favor, stating that the disadvantages imposed on him by denying the visa outweighed the public interest gained from the refusal, thereby violating the principle of proportionality. The final decision now rests with the Supreme Court.