Lee Seung-chul Discusses 10-Year Ban from Japan

On November 25, 2024, singer Lee Seung-chul appeared on the 'Jjanhan Hyung' channel, where he opened up about the controversy surrounding his ban from entering Japan, which has persisted for a decade. During the broadcast, Lee reminisced about his first encounter with Shin Dong-yup, recalling their meeting during Shin's early career as a reporter on 'Kkurugi Cheonguk'. He shared that there was a time when he had to endure hardships to return to broadcasting, reflecting on the challenges he faced during that period.

In a light-hearted moment, Shin asked Lee if he was still unable to visit Japan. This question stemmed from an incident in 2014 when Lee was denied entry at a Japanese airport after performing on Dokdo on Liberation Day. At that time, he had conducted a choir of North Korean defector youths and performed a song expressing hopes for reunification, including leading a rendition of 'Arirang'.

Reflecting on the past, Lee stated, "When I sang about reunification, I performed alone at the UN and even at Harvard, but when I tried to go to Japan afterward, issues arose. It was a sensitive time." Despite the ongoing ban, Lee seemed to maintain a connection with the Japanese language, joking with Shin that he often uses Japanese words, saying, "I think of it as being in Japan when I use Japanese."

The atmosphere shifted as Shin playfully teased Lee about his behavior, jokingly telling him not to keep his hands in his pockets. Shin remarked on how men can become more childish as they age, expressing his happiness in their long-standing friendship over the past 30 years. Lee responded with a light-hearted comment about Shin's growth, showcasing their playful chemistry and camaraderie.