If you are a South Korean male, their law requires that upon turning 18, you will be enlisted for "first citizen service," but you are not yet required to serve the military. When the person reaches 19, he is then required to undergo a physical examination to check whether he is capable of military service.
The length of compulsory military service is based on the military branch. Abeilt mandatory, here are some celebrities who got exempted due to valid reasons.
Seo In Guk
This 33-year old singer and actor launched his singing career in 2009 after winning the talent reality show Superstar K and debut as an actor in 2012's Reply 1997. Eventually, he starred in "High School King of Savvy," "Hello Monster," "Squad 38," "Shopping King Louie," and "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes."
His latest projects were the comedy-thriller K-drama "Cafe Minamdang" and film "Project Wolf Hunting."
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Originally, Seo In Guk was enlisted in March of 2017. However, after four days, he suffered from a severe ankle injury due to Osteochondritis dissecans, a joint condition. He was exempted from the military and got a grade 5 health rating.
Yoo Ah In
Yoo Ah In is an actor, creative director, and gallerist. He is best known for his roles in films "Punch," "Secret Love Affair," "Veteran," "Burning," and many more. One of his notable dramas is "Chicago Typewriter," where he took on the role of a book author.
This critically acclaimed actor was ranked second in Forbes Korea Powers list in 2016.
His last project was in the retro film "Seoul Vibe."
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His desire to serve the military is great. However, due to a massive tumor in his right collar bone, he was deemed unfit to serve in the military. Not only he has a bone tumor, but he also fractured his left shoulder. He underwent several medical examinations until it was concluded that he could not serve in the army. Despite his condition, this actor couldn't get away from hate comments because of his exemption.
Kim Woo Bin
Kim Woo Bin started his career as a model then he debuted as an actor in the TV drama "White Christmas." He began to gain his popularity from his notable supporting roles in "The Heirs" and "School 2013." He even landed a role in these box office hits: "Friend: The Great Legacy," "The Con Artists," and "Twenty."
His last projects were in the sci-fi film "Alien" and omnibus K-drama "Our Blues."
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Due to his underlying health condition, he received a Grade 6 level disqualification, making him unfit to serve in the military. In 2017, he was diagnosed with Nasopharyngeal cancer, a rare type of head and neck cancer.
Jo Jung Suk
Jo Jung Suk began his career in theaters. After ten years in the theatrical stage, he debuted in the film "Architecture 101," which was a box office hit in 2012.
His comedic supporting role was his biggest break. He landed several TV dramas, such as "The King 2 Hearts," "My Love, My Bride," Oh My Ghost," and many more.
Jo Jung Suk's last drama was the comedy/slice-of-life/medical K-drama "Hospital Playlist."
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Jo Jung Suk's military service exemption was not because of his health conditions, rather, in 2000, his father died, and he needed to provide for his mother. He had to quit school so he could earn money. He started doing theatrical plays, which he loved doing.
Do you know other Korean actors who were exempted from the military? Tell us in the replies/comments!
