Yoo Seung Joon Addresses Military Service Questions Directly

Singer Yoo Seung-jun has declared he will directly confront the controversies and rumors surrounding him through his YouTube channel. On the 2nd, he posted a video titled "I Truly Broke Down Back Then. I'm Telling Everything Now. Let's Start the Q&A," officially beginning his communication efforts. In the video, Yoo Seung-jun greeted viewers, saying, "Thanks to all of you, I'm doing very well," and expressed his gratitude, "I'm fortunate and thankful to have a space to communicate with you." He hopes this Q&A will be more than just a simple question-and-answer session, aiming for a deep emotional sharing. He stated that as someone with "many ups and downs and worries in life, and a life that carries a considerable weight," he can be a suitable person to share his pain and concerns. He became visibly emotional when someone told him, "It's a miracle you're alive like this."

Yoo Seung-jun recalled that while he received much love and popularity at a young age, he also faced many misunderstandings, criticisms, and judgments. He shared his experiences immigrating at 13, his 34-year life with his wife whom he met at 15, and how raising his two sons and twin daughters made him understand the heart of a parent. Finally, he invited viewers to "talk about anything you're curious about or want to share," stating that any question is welcome, including questions about his issues, such as 'Why didn't you go to the military?' He added, "There's nothing I can't talk about now."

In 2002, Yoo Seung-jun became the center of a "draft dodging" controversy when he renounced his Korean nationality and obtained U.S. citizenship just before his mandatory military service. At the time, the Ministry of Justice, at the request of the Military Manpower Administration, completely blocked his entry into South Korea. In 2015, after his application for a overseas Korean visa (F-4) was rejected, legal battles began. Despite winning twice in the Supreme Court, the Consulate General in Los Angeles has maintained its policy of refusing to issue the visa, and the appeal process for a third lawsuit is currently underway.

Regarding Yoo Seung-jun's declaration to communicate through YouTube, some have reacted positively, saying, "It's meaningful that he's trying to explain himself directly now," while others remain skeptical, questioning, "Can a controversy that has lasted so long be resolved through simple communication?" He previously shed tears in response to a fan's question at a Tae Jin-ah concert in the U.S.

Yoo Seung-jun debuted in 1997 and gained immense popularity with his hit songs. However, in 2002, he became embroiled in a draft dodging controversy by obtaining U.S. citizenship before his enlistment, leading to an entry ban. Since 2015, he has applied for an overseas Korean visa (F-4) to enter the country but has been denied. Despite winning three visa issuance lawsuits, he is still unable to set foot in South Korea. The Ministry of Justice and the Consulate General in Los Angeles continue to refuse his visa, citing concerns that his evasion of military service could harm national interests.