Korean military officials have poured cold water on singer-actor Steve Yoo's appeals to lift the ban on him, levied 13 years ago over suspected evasion of his mandatory military service.

The singer-actor, whose original name is Yoo Seung-jun, appeared in his first in-depth interview on Tuesday since the controversy occurred in 2002.

Korean-American Yoo was a successful K-pop singer, who renounced his Korean citizenship after becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen shortly before his announced enlistment date.

Korean singer-actor Yoo Seung-jun -- also known as Steve Yoo -- gave his first in-depth interview about his military controversies, which occurred 13 years ago, on Tuesday. (AfreecaTV)

He drew widespread criticism in Korea, after the singer had repeatedly affirmed that he would enlist. By giving up his Korean citizenship, he was automatically exempted from his mandatory military duties.

Yoo claimed in his Tuesday interview, broadcast from Hong Kong, that he had not intended to evade his military service and begged to be allowed to reenter Korea with his family, but drew criticism for his belated appeal.

This year, he surpassed the upper age limit for conscription, which is 38 (Korean age). Yoo has said he is willing to serve his military service, even belatedly, if it means he can live in Korea again.

A military official said, "Since he is no longer a Korean citizen, (Yoo) cannot join the army. He is currently a foreigner and he will remain a foreigner," as quoted by local media.

Korean singer-actor Yoo Seung-jun -- also known as Steve Yoo -- gave his first in-depth interview about his military controversies, which occurred 13 years ago, on Tuesday. (AfreecaTV)

"Irrespective of age, only Korean citizens can enlist in the Korean Army," said the quoted military official. "How can an American citizen go to the Korean Army?"

Shortly after Yoo's broadcast interview, the outspoken mayor of Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, wrote online, "How can we change or violate the law for 50 million Koreans for one foreigner? (Yoo) knows it is impossible, but is again showing contempt for Koreans who are easily moved by tears."

Another military official said, "Since Steve Yoo's deportation from South Korea on Feb. 1, 2002, that there has not even been a single time he has conveyed his intention to enlist in the army. Current laws stipulate that foreigners cannot enlist in the Korean Army."

A spokesperson for Yoo said on Friday that he plans to apply for entry through Korea's immigration office, following an inquiry at the Ministry of Justice, next Tuesday.

Yoo has transitioned to acting and appeared in several Chinese films.

Mandatory military service, which applies to all able-bodied South Korean men, remains a prickly issue that is also strongly linked with Korean nationalism.

By Yoon Sarah (sarah356@heraldcorp.com)

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