Park Hyo-jun's Passport Return Order Appeal Denied

Park Hyo-jun (박효준), a 29-year-old baseball player who previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB), has lost his appeal against a government order to return his passport. The Seoul High Court's Administrative Division 9-1 ruled against him on May 8, 2025, upholding the initial ruling that favored the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The court did not disclose specific reasons for its decision during the hearing.

The case has been prolonged due to Park's absence from the first trial in October last year and his failure to attend a rescheduled hearing in March, leading the judge to express concerns about potential delays in the proceedings.

Park, who was dubbed a 'genius shortstop' during his high school days at Yatap High School, signed with the New York Yankees in July 2014 for a signing bonus of $1.16 million. He had initially promised to reach the major leagues within three to four years but only made his MLB debut in the 2021 season. His career statistics in the MLB include a batting average of .201 over 68 games, with 36 hits, 5 home runs, 20 RBIs, and 2 stolen bases.

As a person who has not completed his military service, Park falls under Article 70, Section 1 of the Military Service Act, which applies to individuals over 25 who have not been summoned for military duty. He was granted permission to travel abroad until March 2023 to continue his baseball career in the U.S.

However, after his travel authorization expired, Park did not return to South Korea, prompting the Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration to file a complaint against him for violating military service laws. In April 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a notice for him to return his passport. Park contested this decision in May, claiming that the Ministry had overstepped its authority.

The first ruling stated that the issue of military service obligations for South Korean men, especially those primarily active abroad, remains a sensitive topic. The court noted that Park's failure to return within the authorized period without valid reasons amounted to an evasion of his military duties. It also highlighted that Park had contributed to the situation by not returning to South Korea and continuing to stay in the U.S.

In December of the previous year, Park was included in a list of 422 individuals identified as military service evaders by the Military Manpower Administration, with the reason cited as 'failure to return within the authorized period.' Currently, Park is reportedly working as a coach at a baseball academy in the U.S. after failing to secure a team.