Singer Yoo Seung-jun (Steve Yoo) has shared his honest feelings regarding the various controversies and malicious comments surrounding him.
On the 13th, Yoo Seung-jun posted a video on his personal channel titled, “Do you still believe I cursed? A story Yoo Seung-jun quietly brought up, just one word to those who still curse me,” to share his stance.
Appearing in glasses, Yoo Seung-jun opened up about the pain caused by hate comments. He urged viewers to refrain from malicious comments, stating, “Even those with strong mental fortitude get hurt. It is never right to tell someone to ‘die,’ regardless of the situation.” He added, “Celebrities are also humans with emotions who empathize with the pain of others. No one has the right to carelessly judge another’s life or say hurtful things.”
However, he made it clear that he is not avoiding criticism. “I will accept legitimate criticism and reprimands,” he said. “I am living my life taking responsibility for what has happened, and I believe this is something I must carry for the rest of my life.”
He also clarified the controversy regarding a broadcast where cursing was heard. Regarding an incident in 2015 where profanity was aired just before an internet broadcast ended, Yoo Seung-jun claimed, “That voice was not mine.” He explained, “It was a conversation between staff members that happened after the live stream had already ended, and it was the PD’s voice. There has been a distortion making it seem as if I cursed as soon as the broadcast ended.” He added, “I am not trying to persuade anyone, but I simply want to correct the facts.”
Furthermore, Yoo Seung-jun looked back on his youth and admitted his immaturity. “In my early 20s, I was just an ordinary young man who lacked maturity,” he said. “Looking back, it was a time when I was lacking in many ways. No one knows everything perfectly at that age.” These remarks seem to reflect complex emotions regarding the long-standing criticism following his draft dodging controversy.
Yoo Seung-jun enjoyed peak popularity after debuting in 1997 with ‘Scissors’ and following up with hits like ‘Nanana’ and ‘Passion’. However, a draft dodging controversy erupted in 2002 when he acquired US citizenship ahead of his enlistment, leading to an entry ban by the Ministry of Justice.
He is currently engaged in a long legal battle with the government over the issuance of an Overseas Korean (F-4) visa. Despite winning two rulings at the Supreme Court, the LA Consulate refused the visa again, and he is now proceeding with the appeal for the third refusal of the visa issuance.
