Yoo Seung-jun. [Newsis]
Yoo Seung-jun. [Newsis]

Singer Yoo Seung-jun (49), known in the United States as Steve Seung-jun Yoo, has drawn attention after sending a message of encouragement to his nephew, who is preparing to enlist in the Marine Corps. Yoo has been barred from entering South Korea for more than two decades following a military service evasion controversy.

Yoo posted photos with family members on his SNS account Tuesday, writing to his nephew: "So you're getting ready to enlist in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps. I'm really proud of you."

He added: "I'll pray that you do well and come home safely. Uncle Steve."

Yoo also wrote that "as the evening drew to a close, the sky looked as if it had been painted with fire," saying he spent time reflecting on his life while watching the sunset slowly fade.

Yoo debuted in 1997 and won wide popularity with hit songs including "Scissors," "Passion" and "Nanana," but was banned from entering the country after obtaining US citizenship in 2002 on the eve of his scheduled military enlistment, sparking a draft evasion controversy.

Aside from a brief visit in 2003 to pay his respects at the funeral of his then-fiancée's father, he has been unable to set foot in South Korea for more than 20 years.

Yoo is currently pursuing legal action against the South Korean consul general in Los Angeles, seeking to overturn the denial of an overseas Korean (F-4) visa.


yeonjoo7@heraldcorp.com