The controversial figure Yoo Seung Joon (also known as Steve Yoo) has made a surprising and significant return to the Korean music scene, featuring on a new track by rapper JUSTHIS.
On November 20 KST, JUSTHIS released his 2nd full album, LIT (deluxe edition). The final track on the album, “Home Home,” includes the voice of Yoo Seung Joon, marking his first appearance on a Korean album in 23 years.
This collaboration, recorded in Los Angeles, immediately sparked discussions due to Yoo Seung Joon’s long-standing legal battle with the South Korean government over his immigration status.
The Collaboration and the Behind-the-Scenes Film
The news of the feature was unveiled alongside a behind-the-scenes film released by JUSTHIS on the same day as the album.
The film documents JUSTHIS’s journey to Los Angeles specifically to record the final track, “Home Home.”
It is in this behind-the-scenes footage that the exiled Korean singer is seen joining the rapper in the studio to contribute his vocals.
The recording itself, taking place far from South Korea, underscores the complexity and emotional weight surrounding Yoo Seung Joon’s music activities and his enduring connection to his home country, even in absence.
The Military Service and Citizenship Controversy
Yoo Seung Joon’s long exclusion from South Korea stems from a highly publicized controversy dating back to 2002. At the time, he was one of the country’s most popular singers.
However, just before his mandatory military enlistment, he forfeited his South Korean citizenship to acquire U.S. citizenship.
This move was widely interpreted by the public and the government as an intentional evasion of military duty, which is considered a sacred obligation in South Korea.
The action resulted in a swift and permanent entry ban imposed by the Korean government.
Yoo Seung Joon (Credit: YouTube)
The Legal Battle for Re-Entry
Since his initial ban, Yoo Seung Joon has launched a series of high-profile legal challenges to regain the right to enter the country.
In 2015, his request for an F-4 travel visa for overseas Koreans was denied by the Korean consulate general in LA.
This denial led to a prolonged legal battle claiming the visa denial was unlawful.
Although the South Korean court sided with Yoo Seung Joon three times in these lawsuits, the former musician has yet to receive an actual travel visa to the country.
The protracted legal saga has kept him out of South Korea, despite the court’s rulings in his favor.
A Tentative Return to the Korean Music Scene
The feature on JUSTHIS’s album, while recorded overseas, is symbolically significant as Yoo Seung Joon’s first recorded contribution to a Korean music album in over two decades.
The song title, “Home Home,” adds a poignant layer of meaning to the collaboration, likely referencing the long-unresolved yearning for a place he is legally prohibited from visiting.
The public and media reaction to this musical return remains a delicate issue, caught between appreciation for his talent and the historical controversy surrounding his citizenship choice and military evasion.
The song now serves as a new focal point for the conversation surrounding his status and the potential for his eventual re-entry.
Acclaimed actress Park So Dam has officially embarked on a new chapter in her career, signing an exclusive contract with the agency The Present Company.
The news, announced on November 21, 2025, marks a significant move for the star, known globally for her amazing performances and versatile roles across film and television.
Her decision to join the agency—which was co-established by actor Ahn Hyo Seop —is expected to create exciting new synergies and opportunities for her artistic development.
The Present Company’s Vision
The Present Company expressed immense enthusiasm for welcoming Park So Dam into their roster.
The agency highlighted her unique artistic qualities that align perfectly with their core values.
They released a statement remarking that Park So Dam is an actress who, since her debut, has possessed an “unrivaled energy with a unique emotional aura and texture of her own.”
They specifically praised her “deep sensibility and approach in reinterpreting characters across various genres,” noting that these traits match the company’s aspirations.
Commitment to Expanded Synergy
The agency went on to affirm its commitment to actively supporting Park So Dam’s career growth in diverse creative avenues.
They stated that to ensure the actress can more “solidly expand her unique color,” they plan to foster “synergy in a wide variety of fields.”
This suggests that The Present Company is prepared to support her not only in traditional film and drama roles but possibly in new projects that will challenge and showcase her distinctive acting range, building upon her established reputation as a top-tier performer.
A Roster of Rising and Established Stars
The Present Company was jointly established in 2022 by actor Ahn Hyo Seop and his longtime manager. Ahn Hyo Seop, known for hit dramas such as A Business Proposal and Dr. Romantic, remains a core figure at the agency.
Park So Dam joins a high-profile roster of talent that also includes actress Shin Sae Kyeong and singer-actress Seolhyun (formerly of AOA).
Park So Dam (Credit: Instagram)
This concentration of influential actors and artists signifies the agency’s growing stature and its focus on managing artists with both star power and strong dramatic capabilities.
Park So Dam’s Distinctive Career
Park So Dam rose to international prominence through her unforgettable role in the 2019 Academy Award-winning film “Parasite,” where her character’s quick wit and intensity captured global audiences.
Beyond this monumental success, her filmography includes major projects like The Priests and the more recent Death’s Game, where she worked alongside actor Seo In Guk.
She is recognized for her ability to navigate complex character portrayals, whether in horror, comedy, or intense drama.
Her signing with The Present Company is expected to open doors to even more ambitious and creatively fulfilling projects, utilizing the resources and network of her new agency to continue building on her distinguished career.
Future Prospects
This new partnership is exciting news for fans, promising a robust period of activity for the actress.
With the backing of an agency committed to fostering her unique artistic flair, Park So Dam is well-positioned to cement her status as one of South Korea’s most valuable and versatile acting talents.
The coming months are likely to reveal the first projects stemming from this new exclusive contract, further showcasing the synergy between her unique energy and her new creative home.
