Yoo Seung Jun

ABOUT

Steve Seung Jun Yoo (born December 15, 1976), also known as his Korean name Yoo Seung-jun (Hangul: 유승준), is a Korean-American singer and actor who became one of South Korea's most popular K-pop singers after his debut in 1997. Yoo's singing career ended in 2002 when he was accused of evading South Korean mandatory military service by becoming a U.S. citizen. He was subsequently banned from entering South Korea, becoming the only person in history to be banned from the country for acquiring another citizenship. Since then, Yoo has been working as an actor in China.

Early life

Yoo was born on December 15, 1976, in Seoul, South Korea. His family moved to the United States when he was thirteen and settled in Buena Park, California. He made demo tapes of his rapping and dance skills and sent these to Brothers Entertainment, where he was eventually scouted and left California to start his career as a singer.

Career

1997: Debut
Yoo made his Korean debut as a singer in 1997. His first album West Side was a hit with the debut single "Gaui" ("gaui" is the Korean word for "scissors" - in this context it translates to "nightmare" as Koreans use the word to describe the rigid sleep paralysis which sometimes accompanies bad dreams). Along with another single "I love you Noona", he won Best Newcomer of the Year in many award ceremonies. Yoo gained popularity with his signature dance move of "Gawi", in which he and his backup dancers lined up diagonally to perform the same moves in unison. West Side ended up selling a million records.

1998
In the summer of 1998, he released second album 1998 V2 for SALE with "Na Na Na" ("나나나") as its lead song, where it and the music video topped the charts. In the video, it featured actress Choi Ji-woo, who played as the internship teacher while he played as the troublesome student. Many consider this album as the most successful of his career, as it won him Best Artist of the Year in multiple award ceremonies. The album again sold 1 million records.

1999
In 1999, he went on to release his third album Now Or Never, which contained the hit single "Passion". Later that year, Yoo released his fourth album, "Over and Over," which contained the hit single "Vision."

2000
During this time, he began to expand his career into China and Taiwan, with the release of single "Can't Wait", which was a collaboration with Taiwanese singer Yuki. Now or Never topped the Korean charts with first week sales of 879,000 albums sold. Setting a record for the highest first week sales ever at the time. The album eventually sold close to 1.5 million units. He also released music videos for two of his Korean songs that year for "찾길 바래" (Wish you could find) & "어제 오늘 그리고" (Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow), the latter showing off a more sophisticated image.

2001
In 2001, he released the single "Wow" from his 6th album "Infinity." Though considered a bit of a disappointment, critically and commercially, compared to his last three albums, "Infinity" still managed to debut at number 1 on the charts with first week sales of 359,961 albums sold. The album has sold over 600,000 copies.

2002: Banishment controversy

Yoo had repeatedly stated on television that he would fulfill his mandatory military service. But in 2002, just before he was to be drafted, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen. As a result, the South Korean government considered it an act of desertion, and deported him, permanently banning him from entering the country.

Post-banishment
He now resides in Beijing, China.

In 2006, he was featured on rapper H-Eugene's song "독불장군" (Single Person). The song's music video didn't show Yoo's face, but shows him dancing and his silhouette.

In 2007, he released his seventh album Yoo Seungjun Vol. 7 - Rebirth of YSJ for his fans who stood by him through the highs and lows of his career. The album was produced under the collaboration of production teams from the U.S., China, and Korea. He released singles such as "Missing U," "Breakin' Love," "One For Me" and "Fireworks."

He earned a role in an untitled Taiwanese drama loosely based on Bret Easton Ellis's novel Less Than Zero. In June 2008, Yoo signed a 15-year contract with Jackie Chan's entertainment management company to become an actor. He has since attempted to establish a name for himself in mainland China, while continuing his singing and acting career.

In February 2010, Yoo made his movie debut in Jackie Chan's Little Big Soldier as Prince Wen.

In 2011, in response to an announcement by South Korean television network Seoul Broadcasting System, on holding a public vote on whether Koreans think Yoo should be allowed to come back to Korea, he stated that he has no plans to return.

In December 2013, rumor had it that the ban on Yoo had been lifted and that he would be able to enter Korea. But in January 2014, the Military Manpower Association released a statement flatly denying the allegation.

In 2015, it was announced that Yoo will appear in the film Dragon Blade.

In May 19, 2015, Yoo appeared in a video where he opened up on his side of the story regarding his evading military service back in 2002. He appeared getting down on his hands & knees begging to be accepted back into Korea promising that he'll "do whatever it takes" and that he'll accept any condition the Korean government allows.

In February 23, 2017, following a court hearing, Yoo lost his second and final appeal for having his entry ban lifted, and is no longer allowed to return to Korea, nor he is able to appeal his entry ban in the future.

On July 11, 2019, The Korean Supreme Court sent Yoo’s previously closed case back to Seoul High Court. 

On November 15, 2019, an appeals court reversed its earlier decision and ruled in favor of Yoo, which could finally allow him to visit South Korea.