Yoo Seung-jun Celebrates 28 Years Since Debut Amid Controversy

Singer Yoo Seung-jun (유승준), also known as Steve Yoo, recently marked the 28th anniversary of his debut. In a heartfelt Instagram post on April 1, he expressed his mixed feelings about the time that has passed, stating, "It’s been 28 years since my debut. I feel like the time we spent together was too short, which makes it even more special."

Reflecting on his journey, Yoo recalled the day he left for Korea with just a bag and $400 given by his parents, saying, "I remember boarding the plane, hoping to succeed. I never imagined I would receive so much love, nor did I foresee the disappointment I would cause you all. I was young, fearless, and perhaps foolishly confident. Looking back, I realize how naive I was."

He acknowledged the long separation from his fans, saying, "After just over five years of activity, I have been apart from you for 23 years. I’m sorry for not being able to show you a better version of myself and for creating a reality where I can’t even confidently say I’m a fan of Yoo Seung-jun. I feel nothing but regret and sorrow."

Yoo emphasized that he does not live solely on memories of the past, yet he finds it difficult to erase the beautiful moments shared with his fans. "I continue to live as Yoo Seung-jun today because of the immense love and encouragement you have given me. I will not give up and will strive to live as the beautiful person you remember. I look forward to the day we can meet again. I will keep dreaming of that day."

Yoo Seung-jun debuted in 1997 and quickly rose to fame. However, in 2001, he was classified as a '4th grade supplementary reserve' for military service. In 2002, after receiving a notice for public service, he left for a concert in the U.S. and unexpectedly renounced his Korean citizenship by obtaining U.S. citizenship. This decision led to widespread public backlash, resulting in the Ministry of Justice banning his entry into South Korea, a restriction that has lasted for 23 years.

He applied for an overseas Korean visa (F-4) in 2015, which was denied. After winning a final ruling in an administrative lawsuit, the Los Angeles consulate again refused to issue the visa. Following a second lawsuit in 2020, he won again in November of last year, but the visa was still denied. Currently, Yoo is pursuing a third administrative lawsuit against the Ministry of Justice to invalidate the entry ban.