Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “Discretion of the Consul General of Los Angeles” on the complaint of “violation of human rights”

Entry 2020.10.27 16:21

Kang Kyung-hwa’s Comments on “No Visa Issuance Allowed in the Future”
Seung-Jun Yoo “It is not a violation of the Military Service Law … foreigners have human rights.”
Ministry of Foreign Relations “The consul issues the visa taking into account all the circumstances”

The Foreign Ministry said on the 27th that it was “the discretion of the Consul General of Los Angeles” to refuse to issue a visa to prevent Steve Yoo (44, Korean name Seung-jun Yoo) from entering Korea. Earlier, Yoo posted a post on Instagram that day and told Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha that “foreigners have human rights too” and “please allow entry.”

Deputy Foreign Ministry spokesman Lee Jae-woong said in a regular briefing on the day: “The issuance of visas is a discretionary matter that is issued by the consular officer in consideration of all circumstances.” I think it was decided whether to issue a visa after reviewing it. “Previously, the Los Angeles Consulate General rejected Mr. Yoo’s visa application.

Deputy Spokesperson Lee said, “I understand that the applicant has personally expressed the position that Mr. Yoo claimed to be a ‘human rights violation’ in the Instagram post.” There is no “he replied.

Minister Kang replied, “Based on that judgment, I decided not to allow the issuance of visas again,” after receiving a question from Democratic Party member Ahn Min-seok and Democratic Party lawmaker Ahn Min-suk on the Affairs Committee. Foreign and Transportation of the National Assembly the day before.

The Supreme Court ruled in July last year that it was illegal for the Korean government to refuse to issue a visa for Yoo to live and work in Korea. Based on the order prohibiting the entry of the Minister of Justice 17 years ago, the reason why Mr. Yoo’s entry into the country was blocked until now was the intention that the legal basis was slim. However, even after the Supreme Court ruling, Yoo filed a lawsuit when the Los Angeles Consulate General recently refused to issue a visa again.

Minister Kang responded to the Supreme Court ruling: “The Supreme Court (at the time) did not adequately exercise discretion in the Foreign Ministry. Therefore, it is not up to (Yoo) to enter the country, but to have requirements. of procedure, and it was judged that it was illegal to exercise discretion. ” Explained. “The government has decided not to allow the issuance of visas again (after reviewing the relevant regulations),” he said.

Then Yoo said in the Instagram post that day, “By breaking my military service duty, I brought disappointment and betrayal to the public.” “The decision I made was legal, and if it’s not illegal, it shouldn’t be possible to impose legal sanctions.

Yoo also said, “Minister Kang met with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights earlier this year and expressed the position that the Korean government will participate in efforts to protect and promote international human rights as a member. of human rights in 2020-2022 “. , I know that criminals are only punished for the crimes they commit. “At the same time, he argued that the permanent ban on entering the country for 18 years and 8 months was” a serious violation of human rights and a judgment against equity. ” .

Regarding the Supreme Court ruling, Mr. Yoo wrote: “The ruling contains all the guidelines that must be followed when exercising discretion” and “Please think again about the issue of my indefinite entry ban.”