When it comes to the word “mandatory,” it is meant for all. Korea has this military service, which is mandatory for all the citizens of the country. So far, people knew that there was no exception to this. Even the BTS members like Jungkook, RM, V, and others finally enlisted in the same last month.
In short, even the Kpop idols and actors had to serve as public servants. Recently, we learned that there have been some exemptions too. Who are they?
One must note that mandatory military service in Korea can be exempted under certain criteria. Like what? The most obvious way is by changing the citizenship. That’s what an actor from the Kdrama “Business Proposal” did. Well, many other celebrities in the Korean industry were exempted. How?
Many fans raised questions about why the BTS members weren’t exempted. They already did much for the nation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a few of the members also made some contributions in the form of donations. Well, keeping that aside, here is everything we know about those Kdrama stars and actors who fall on the list.
Reason Behind Some Korean Singers And Actors Not Being Allowed In The Military Service Revealed
Suga
Here comes one of the BTS members- Suga. Did you listen to his solo works – Give It To Me and Haegeum? Last year, he released his debut album – D-Day, which garnered a huge number of listeners globally.
It was on 22 September 2023 that Suga started his alternative military service. The Kpop rapper was exempted from combat duties. To the newbies, the South Korean military service lasts for 18 months. However, the ones who have certain health issues are entitled to serve in government agencies and institutes.
Why so? Back in 2020, Suga underwent a surgery. That was because he suffered from a torn shoulder labrum. In case you didn’t know, it’s a thick tissue attached to the shoulder socket’s edge. It usually helps in the stabilization of the joint’s ball.
Ahn Hyo Seop
As hinted earlier about the “Business Proposal” actor, we meant Ahn Hyo Seop. In case you forgot, we watched him as Kang Tae-moo. He is an incredible actor in the Korean industry. How much did you like him in Dr. Romantic? He played the character of Seo Woo-jin. Ahn Heo Seop’s other notable acting credits are – Lovers of the Red Sky, My Father Is Strange, and A Time Called You.
Well, even though Ahn Heo Seop is very popular in the Kdrama field, he doesn’t live in South Korea anymore. Little did you know, he was born in Seoul. But, at the age of 7, he relocated himself to Canada, earning new citizenship. That’s how the actor got exempted from mandatory military service in Korea.
Seo In Guk
How did this singer evade the military service in Korea? Starting with his introduction, Seo In Guk is an incredible singer born in Ulsan, South Korea. He is a very prominent personality in the Kdrama industry, too. Yes, you must have seen him in many such projects, such as Reply 1997, Project Wolf Hunting, Doom at Your Service, and Death’s Game.
When it comes to his music career, Seo In Guk has numerous works in this field. You must listen to Broken, Seasons of the Heart, My Love, Fallen, and We Can Dance Tonight. Considering you are a big-time fan, which is your favorite from his playlist?
It was back in 2017 when Seo In Guk was enlisted in the military service. But, it came out much of a surprise that he served in the same just for four days. Why did he get exempted? Well, that was because of his sudden Osteochondritis dissecans. It is a bone and cartilage condition.
Jo Jung Suk
Concerning Jo Jung Suk is another incredible actor from Banghwa-dong, South Korea. When it comes to his acting works, make sure you watch – Hospital Playlist, Two Cops, My Annoying Brother, etc. He also made a cameo appearance in The Legend of the Blue Sea.
Being his fan, you will be happy to know that Jo Jung Suk is set to star in the upcoming project- “Captivating the King.” We shall see him as King Yi-in.
As far as his exemption from military service in Korea is concerned, Jo Jung Suk has been the sole financial provider in his family following his father’s death. During the period of service as a public servant, the individual has to take a hiatus from his profession, which was not possible for the actor at the time.
Besides the above-mentioned Kdrama actors and singers, there are others. All are good!
