Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Real Reality]

How many other Korean-Americans are denied entry into Korea?

Korea-American Singer�s Petition for Reentry Dismissed

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday turned down a petition filed by Korean-American singer Yoo Seung-joon to be allowed reentry into the country.

"As Yoo is an American citizen, he cannot be guaranteed freedom to enter the country. Therefore, there can be no human rights violations with the entry ban,�� the commission said.

The 27-year-old pop singer, who also goes by the name Steve Yoo, had filed a petition with the human rights watchdog in May after he was denied entrance into the country early last year amid criticisms of his acquiring American citizenship to dodge military service here.

The NHRC said although freedom to enter and exit a country and change one's citizenship is protected under the Constitution, foreigners, unlike Korean nationals, cannot be guaranteed freedom to enter the country.
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/200307/kt2003072820215412070.htm

[JackSarang]

I believe the key here is the allegation that he obtained American citizenship in order to dodge military service.

Koreans take that very seriously and its often one of the first things dug up about political opponents, as to whether they or any of their family ever dodged service.

Back in Decemeber there was to be a female Prime Minister but she was ratified due to allegations that she made arrangements for both her sons to dodge Military service via American citizenship.

It doesn't surprise me that they've made this an issue with this singer and denied him entry into the country.

Normal Korean-Americans have little trouble visiting Korea as evidenced by the fact that large numbers of them work in the ESL Industry.

[ulsanchris]

One KOrean guy told me that the singer out and out said that he wasn't going to join the army because it would ruin his singing career. Although I don't think gettin american citizenship and not being allowed to enter korean again certainly hasn't helped his career.
As for the woman prime minister I have heard that any time a woman gets a cabinet position or to be the prime minister they pruposely pick someone that will fail so that it is plain for everyone to see that women just simply aren't capable to handling that kind of job. Only men can have those jobs.

[Cthulhu]

He told everyone he would do military service and then reneged and ran to America. I think he deserves what he gets. Anyway, I don't think this is a trend; this is a high-profile scapegoat and a lesson to people who want to use their fame to get out of military service (politicians' kids not included).

[Dan]

this is a tale of hypocrisy and bending of the rules.

Many many MANY top officials in korea help their kids avoid military service all the time, and they don't even have to change citizenship, just some money under the table.

most guys dread going to the military anyway, they should be happy for the guy.

Strictly on paper, there is no reason Steve Yoo can't come back into korea, but the koreans are pissed cuz they see him as taking all the advantages of his korean heritage, but trying to dodge the responsibilities. thus, he got blacklisted.

petty if you ask me.

[itaewonguy]

this doesnt make sense..
he was just here a few weeks ago for a funeral..
he must be aloud to come here as a tourist!

he will have an F4 visa. this doesnt make any sense,,
poor old yoo must of spent all his money trying to live like P-Diddy back in the states,,, yep he was famous now he aint squat.. guess he thinks he can come back to the cash cow, but the cow is not milking today!!

[Manner of Speaking]

Yeah but remember the country you are intending to visit is under absolutely no obligation to let you in if you are not a citizen (I'm not sure about permanent residents). You can have a heart of gold, all the correct paperwork, etc., but customs and immigration in each country is not obligated to let you in, if they don't want to. It can even be simply a matter of a customs officer not liking your clothes. And they don't have to be consistent. They can let in or not let in whoever they want.

[funplanet]

exactly, manner of speaking....and one must remember this....a VISA does not guarantee entry...it only gives the holder the right to get on the plane or boat and ARRIVE at the port of entry....only the immigration officer has the right to grant or deny entry at the port of entry...NOT the visa!

that is the policy of ALL nations...concerning permanent residents...the US green card guarantees entry for the holder...

[jh]

A very popular and famous singer in Korea tried to go to Guam a month ago to do some shooting for a TV station. One of those group excursion-funny-games skit shows. She was with an entire group of TV staff and personnel.

One immigration officer was very rude to the group, singled her out, put her in a confined room away from the rest of her group and, after she started banging on the door to let her out, came back in and ordered her to kneel on the floor. No explanation.

This had happened after her VISA had been stamped on the passport. She had been officially "waved through." Apparently they mistook her for a drug trafficker.

She came back in quite a shock.

[itaewonguy]