A U.S.-South Korean dual citizen, Junseo Hagh, 21, has been sentenced to nine months in prison for violating Canadian deportation orders. Hagh pleaded guilty to unauthorized reentry into Canada and failing to appear for a reentry examination. The sentence, equivalent to time served, accounts for the six months Hagh spent in pre-trial custody.
Hagh initially arrived in Canada in February 2016 on a study permit, but his legal immigration status expired in February 2021. Since December 2022, Hagh, also known as Ethan, has breached six deportation orders. The most recent incident occurred on Jan. 8, 2025, when Hagh was deported to Los Angeles International Airport but was later observed near the Canadian border by U.S. Border Patrol agents. Subsequently, he illegally entered Canada.
On Jan. 10, Hagh was encountered at Lougheed Town Centre mall in Burnaby, B.C., and arrested by a CBSA officer on Jan. 15. During the arrest, Hagh was found in possession of 9 mm ammunition and a receipt for ammunition from a Bellingham pawn shop.
Despite Hagh’s physical and mental challenges, including Tourette’s syndrome and stress disorder, his lawyer, Roy Kim, stated that Hagh is remorseful for his actions and understands the consequences of his illegal actions in Canada. Kim mentioned that Hagh will be deported to South Korea, where he is prepared to start anew, supported financially by his parents in Los Angeles. Hagh expressed a desire not to live near his parents, fearing surveillance.
Judge James Sutherland approved the joint submission, considering Hagh’s guilty pleas, health issues, and prior deportation history in the sentencing decision. The judge acknowledged Hagh’s previous convictions and wished him luck following the sentencing.