Steve Yoo Refutes Online Rumors Amid Ongoing Entry Ban to South Korea

Steve Yoo, also known as Steve Seung Joon Yoo, has taken to social media to dispute recent online claims circulating in South Korean communities. The former K-pop icon, currently residing in the United States, addressed accusations that he still introduces himself as a Korean superstar at local events in Los Angeles and regularly performs at night clubs.

The controversy erupted after an anonymous user on an online community posted, “Steve Yoo continues to call himself a Korean superstar while appearing at neighborhood events and night gigs in LA. When he’s not working events, he spends time at the gym, surfing, or skateboarding with his kids.” The user questioned Yoo’s motivation to return to Korea, insinuating that he is stuck in the 1990s.

In response, Yoo firmly denied all allegations via his official social media channels. “Everything is false,” he wrote. “From beginning to end. I never performed night gigs, and I never referred to myself as a Korean superstar.”

Steve Yoo’s controversy dates back to 2002, when he renounced his South Korean citizenship by acquiring U.S. nationality shortly before his mandatory military service. Consequently, under Article 11 of South Korea’s Immigration Control Act, he was banned from entering the country.

In 2015, Yoo attempted to re-enter South Korea by applying for a visa as an overseas Korean. The Korean Consulate General in Los Angeles, however, denied the request. Since then, he has initiated legal action to overturn the decision, but the consulate maintains its refusal to issue him a visa.

Yoo’s case remains a polarizing subject in South Korea, as public sentiment continues to be divided over whether he should be allowed to return.