A dual citizen of the U.S. and South Korea has been sentenced for repeatedly violating deportation orders from Canada. Junseo Hagh, 21, received a nine-month prison sentence on Monday after pleading guilty to unauthorized re-entry into Canada and failing to attend a required examination regarding his immigration status.

Hagh's sentence is effectively equivalent to the six months he has already spent in pre-trial custody. He first entered Canada in February 2016 on a study permit, but his legal status expired in February 2021. Since December 2022, he has violated six deportation orders, as outlined by Crown prosecutor Michelle Liu during the sentencing.

The most recent violation occurred on January 8, 2025, when Hagh was removed from Canada and placed on a flight to Los Angeles International Airport. Less than 24 hours later, U.S. Border Patrol agents spotted him near the Canadian border. Despite being warned to stay away, he was later seen entering Canada illegally.

On January 10, a police officer found Hagh at Lougheed Town Centre mall in Burnaby, British Columbia. He was arrested on January 15 by a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer. During the arrest, Hagh was found in possession of five rounds of 9 mm ammunition and a receipt for ammunition purchased from a pawn shop in Bellingham, Washington.

Hagh's defense attorney, Roy Kim, highlighted that his client suffers from a stress disorder and Tourette's syndrome, which complicates his situation. Kim noted that Hagh can only consume liquids, making his time in custody particularly challenging. He stated, "He is fully remorseful for his actions… I submit that this court will not see Mr. Hagh again in the future."

Following the sentencing, it was indicated that Hagh would be deported to South Korea. Kim mentioned that while Hagh's parents live in Los Angeles and will provide financial support, he does not wish to live near them due to concerns about being monitored.

Judge James Sutherland acknowledged Hagh's guilty pleas as a mitigating factor in the sentencing, along with his mental and physical health challenges. However, he also noted Hagh's poor record of compliance with deportation orders as an aggravating factor. Hagh had been convicted twice in the previous year for similar offenses and had served jail time on both occasions.

As the proceedings concluded, Judge Sutherland wished Hagh well, stating, "Good luck, Mr. Hagh."