What is the case about?

Singer Yoo Seung-jun, 48, is challenging the Los Angeles Consulate General's repeated refusal to issue him a Korean entry visa. According to Yonhap News, the consulate's side filed an appeal with the Seoul High Court on October 26, sending the third case to the Supreme Court.

Why was his entry restricted?

Yoo debuted in 1997 and was a popular singer in Korea. He promised on television to enlist in the military, but left the country in January 2002 for a performance and later obtained U.S. citizenship, which exempted him from service. Amid public outrage, the Ministry of Justice barred his entry under the Immigration Act, citing a risk to Korea's interests and public safety.

What happened in the earlier lawsuits?

| Year | Event | |---|---| | 2015 | Yoo applied for an overseas Korean (F-4) visa at age 38; the consulate refused | | 2020 | Second lawsuit filed | | 2023 | Supreme Court sided with Yoo | | 2024 | Consulate refused again; third lawsuit filed | | 2026 | High court upheld Yoo's win; consulate appeals |

In the third case, the first-instance court ruled that the denial was disproportionate, and the appellate court kept that finding.

For international fans

Yoo is known in Korea for his 1990s solo career. The visa dispute has been a long-running public debate in Korea, with many people weighing his right to return against the military service issue. The Supreme Court's decision on this appeal will determine the final outcome.