Steve Yoo Addresses Military Service Controversy; Comedian Eom Young-soo Ties the Knot for the Third Time

On February 6, 2021, singer Steve Yoo (유승준) took to his YouTube channel for a live broadcast, where he addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding his military service exemption. Responding to fans' questions, he expressed his feelings of injustice, stating, "I had the right to travel freely. I made my choices within my rights, and if you don't understand that, how can I explain it better?" He emphasized his accountability for his life decisions, mentioning his two sons and two daughters, and his supportive wife. Yoo, who debuted in 1997 with hits like 'Gawi' (가위) and 'Passion' (열정), faced backlash after obtaining U.S. citizenship just before his military enlistment in 2002, leading to a ban on entering South Korea. After years of legal battles, he finally won a lawsuit against the government for visa denial, but the Los Angeles consulate has since rejected his visa applications three times, prompting his team to express deep concern over the situation, viewing it as a violation of his human rights.

In other news, comedian Eom Young-soo (엄영수) made headlines on the same day by marrying a 10-year-younger Korean-American clothing entrepreneur in a church in Los Angeles. The couple met through a mutual acquaintance in June of the previous year, and their relationship blossomed after the bride-to-be revealed her long-standing admiration for Eom. In a phone interview, Eom described his upcoming marriage as an unexpected blessing, reflecting on his past struggles with two divorces and personal challenges. He shared that his fiancée found comfort in his comedy after losing her previous husband, which helped her heal. Eom has since showcased his affection for his new wife through various entertainment programs and documentaries.