South Korea’s mandatory military service has always been the most discussed topic in the K-pop industry, as, according to the law, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the military before the age of 30, for at least 18 – 21 months. For male K-pop idols whose career depends on timing, age, and public visibility factor it creates a gap and affects their careers. Resulting in hampering the popularity and continuity of the idol.
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This military service acts as a period of passive activities for the loyal fans of a K-pop idol as they miss their idol during this whole period –
- Waiting Culture – The fans often go for “Waiting Culture” using fan cafes, personalized events to send messages to their idols during their service period.
- Re-releasing – To maintain the public image of the Idol agencies often release pre-recorded content, music, and dramas, as it helps in maintaining fanbase engagement.
- Support and Celebrating – Fans often support and celebrate the military service period of their idol.
TOP 10 K-Pop Idols who didn’t serve in the military
However, not every K-Pop idol serve for the military. Due to various reasons, from idols having serious physical to mental health conditions, such as severe injuries or illnesses, are exempted from the duty. Some are declared unfit for the duty, and individuals holding dual citizenship are also not bound to serve in the military, or who have renounced Korean Citizenship.
What do you think about South Korea’s system of exempting certain artists or athletes from mandatory military service?
by u/Embarrassed_Clue1758 in korea
Seo In Guk
Seo is a South Korean singer and an established songwriter cum actor. 1987 born, the K-pop idol was enlisted to serve in the army in March 2017. After four days of enlistment, Seo In Guk was excused from military service due to a severe ankle injury. Later, it was revealed that Seo had a joint condition called osteochondritis dissecans. Which made him receive a grade five health rating and exempted him from the mandatory military service.
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Simon Dominic
Simon Dominic, a South Korean rapper and former CEO of AOMG, was exempted from mandatory military enlistment due to an injury to his left eye. According to Chosun reports, Simon D had damaged the retina of his left eye in a childhood accident. He also briefed the audience about the eye injury in his song, “Who You?”
Yoo Ah In
Yoo Ah-In, the K-pop idol, was enlisted to serve in the South Korean military in 2013, but due to a five-year-long delay in his physical examination following a 2013-2015 shoulder injury, he was officially exempted from mandatory military service in June 2017 due to health issues, specifically due to a benign bone tumor (osterosarcoma) diagnosed in 2015.
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Kim Woo Bin
Kim Woo Bin was another example of a K-pop idol who was exempted from military service due to health issues. He was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer in 2017. Kim’s agency, Sidus HW, said Kim had begun drug and radiation treatment and would halt all activities. Though Kim Woo Bin completed his treatment the same year, he was still exempted from military service.
Jo Jung Suk
Jo Jung Suk’s case was heartbreaking, as his exemption was due to financial issues. Jo Jung Suk’s father passed away in 2000, so he was granted an exemption from the South Korean mandatory military enlistment to serve his mother. Due to this, he also quit his school during that time, so that he could earn money from some musicals, which was his passion.
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Eun Ji Won
Eun Ji Won was exempted from the mandatory military enlistment due to incomplete educational qualifications. Eun Ji Won studied middle school overseas in Hawaii and served as a transfer student at Korea Kent Foreign School when he returned to Korea. However, his education was not recognized and made him only a middle school graduate, which accoding to rules, exempted him from military service.
Son Heung Min
Son Heung-Min was the most recognized person on the list, as his exemption is quite well-known. In the 2018 Asian Games, South Korea won the gold medal in men’s football, in which Son Heung-min was part of. Military services are exempted for athletes who win a gold medal at the Asian Games. Following the win at the Asian Games 2018, Son Heung Min was exempted from his military service.
SEO Taiji
The well-known South Korean artist and idol, SEO Taiji, was given an exemption from the South Korean mandatory military enlistment as he suffered severely from a perforated stomach. There’s no evidence that he attended or completed the military training in the South Korean military establishment for the general public, celebrities, and K-pop idols for military enlistment.
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BamBam (GOT7)
BamBam’s reason for exemption was very different from the people who are in this list; he was exempted from military service due to the number of volunteers, which means the remaining spots were filled during the military lottery draw. BamBam lucked out in the lottery for the mandatory military enlistment names.
SEVENTEEN’s S.Coup
S.coup was exempted from the South Korean military services after receiving a grade five during the health check-up. He tore his ACL back in August 2023, which required a lengthy rehabilitation period and recovery. Therefore, exemption from the mandatory military service was evident.
FAQs
Is a foreign K-pop idol obligated to serve in the military?
No, if they are not South Korean, they are not obligated to serve military.
Can mental health issues lead to exemption?
Yes. Severe anxiety disorders, depression, or other psychiatric diagnoses can result in exemption from military service.
Will military laws change in the future for K-Pop idols?
There have been ongoing debates about granting cultural merit exemptions to globally influential artists. However, for now, there are no official law changes.
