Steve Yoo wins second trial in third visa denial lawsuit

Singer Steve Yoo (Yoo Seung-jun) has won the appellate court ruling in his third lawsuit against the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles regarding the denial of his visa issuance.

The Seoul High Court's administrative division upheld a previous lower court decision, dismissing the defendant's appeal. While the court did not provide specific reasoning in the courtroom, the ruling maintains that the visa denial violated the principle of proportionality, as the disadvantage to Yoo outweighed the public interest sought by the denial.

This legal battle stems from Yoo's 2002 decision to acquire U.S. citizenship after promising to fulfill his South Korean military service obligations. Since then, the South Korean government has restricted his entry, citing concerns over national interest and public safety. Despite winning previous Supreme Court rulings, Yoo has faced repeated visa denials from the Los Angeles consulate, leading to this third round of litigation. While the ruling cancels the denial of the visa, it does not guarantee immediate entry into South Korea.