5 South Korean stars who were exempt from military service

Last Friday, the 1st, PLEDIS Entertainment, the company responsible for the boy group SEVENTEEN, issued a statement announcing that S.Coupsleader of the group, was officially exempt from mandatory military service after being classified as grade 5 due to a knee injury.

In August last year, the idol ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the recording of one of the group’s contents, where he underwent surgery, in addition to physiotherapy sessions for recovery. Since then, S.Coups has gradually returned to group activities.

“Due to a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee joint, S.Coups underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery and anterolateral ligament reconstruction surgery. Because it was a major surgery, he has been undergoing physical rehabilitation therapy for a long time, from last year until now. As a result, it was classified as grade 5,” PLEDIS stated in a statement.

As reported by the Soompi portal, according to South Korea’s recruitment system, men who are classified in category 5 are exempt from military enlistment in times of peace. However, if a war breaks out, they will be required to report to the Armed Forces to carry out support work.

However, S.Coups He is not the first artist to be exempt from military service. Other big South Korean stars, including actors and athletes, have also gone through the same process, being dismissed from service for different reasons. Meet some!

1. Son Heungmin

As one of the most famous football players in South Korea, Tottenham’s current left winger, Son Heungminwas exempted from service after winning a gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games.

2. Simon Dominic

Like this S.Coupsthe rapper Simon Dominic He was also exempt due to health problems. This is because, in his childhood, the artist suffered an accident that caused an injury to his left eye. According to the Chosun newspaper, the injury was responsible for causing him to be discharged from the army.

3. Faker

Lee Sang-hyeokknown worldwide simply as Faker, is one of the main League of Legends athletes on the international e-Sports scene. His exemption was confirmed after winning a gold medal at the 19th Asian Games. In addition to him, the other players from Team Korea, Zeus, Kanavi, Chovy, Ruler It is Keriaalso received the privilege.

4. Kim Woobin

The renowned actor Kim Woobinknown for his role in dramas such as “Alienoid” (2022) and “Paixão Uncontrolável” (2016), was released from service in 2017 after being diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer. Woobin completed the necessary treatment in the same year and currently lives his life normally.

5. Eun Jiwon (Sechs Kies)

Unlike the cases mentioned in the list, Eun Jiwon, a member of SECHSKIES, ended up being exempt from mandatory military service for educational reasons. This is because the idol attended high school in Hawaii and, when he returned to South Korea, he became a transfer student at Kent Foreigners School, however, his education was not recognized.