The Supreme Court ruled that it was illegal to refuse a visa to the Korean-American singer Yoo Seung-jun

"발급 거부 위법" … 재판

The Supreme Court of South Korea ruled that the Justice Ministry had been wrong, more than fifteen years ago … to permanently ban a former K-Pop star from entering the country.
That's Yoo Seung-jun, who was widely considered a traitor in obtaining US citizenship just before he was supposed to start his military service.
The court decision means that the singer can appeal the decision of the Ministry of Justice and maybe return to Korea.
Lee Min-sun reports.
The Supreme Court of South Korea ruled that it was illegal for the country's immigration service to refuse an entry visa to the Korean-American singer Yoo Seung-jun, also known as the Steve Yoo's name.
Yoo made her debut in Korea in 1997 and was one of the country's most popular celebrities, but found herself mired in a huge controversy in 2002, to be removed from compulsory military service after getting US citizenship.
The Justice Department subsequently banned Yoo from entering Korea, citing Article 11 of the Immigration Act.
It indicates that the Ministry of Justice may prohibit the entry of any person whom it deems very likely to engage in activities that may be detrimental to Korea's national interests or public security.
It's been 17 years since Yoo did not set foot on Korean soil, but the former star begged the authorities to allow him to return to Korea and resume his career.
Her visa application was denied in 2015, prompting her to lodge a complaint against the Korean government.
However, military service is a very sensitive issue in Korea and public opinion about Yoo remains cold.
A recent opinion poll conducted this month … showed that seven out of ten respondents were opposed to allowing Yoo's entry into the country.
Although the court's decision does not immediately lift its travel ban, it will allow Yoo to appeal the Justice Department's earlier decision, hoping to get his long-awaited return home.
Lee Min-sun Arirang News.

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