Singer Park Seo Jin is facing growing controversy over his military exemption, despite his explanation.
On December 3, a petition was posted online, calling for Park Seo Jin’s removal as an ambassador for organizations including Mungyeong City in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gongju City in Chungcheongnam-do, and the Korea Water and Sewage Association. The petition accuses him of causing a social controversy by making false statements about his military enlistment.
Park Seo Jin was appointed as an honorary ambassador for Mungyeong City in April of last year. The city had planned to renovate the “Cultural Street” in the old downtown with a budget of 1 billion won and create the “Dahlbyeot” street, named after his fanbase. He was also named an ambassador for Gongju City, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Drinking Water Promotion Association.
The controversy began after it was revealed on November 28 that Park Seo Jin had received a military exemption. His agency, Tajo Entertainment, confirmed that he had been granted the exemption due to mental health issues related to family matters. They explained that Park Seo Jin had been diagnosed with depression and insomnia in his early twenties, which led to his exemption after undergoing a physical exam by the Military Manpower Administration.
However, this revelation sparked accusations of dishonesty. In previous interviews, Park Seo Jin had stated that he intended to enlist. In an October 2023 interview on MBC ON's Trot Champion, he said, “I have a goal to achieve before enlisting in the military. I think I should create a hit song that the entire country knows.” He also mentioned in July that he feared people might forget him if he went to the military before releasing a hit song.
This led to a petition on KBS’s viewer petition board titled “Please do not allow public figures who avoid their military duty to appear on public broadcasting.”
In response to the backlash, Park Seo Jin addressed the issue on his official fan café. He explained that he was afraid revealing his exemption due to mental health issues would negatively affect his career and public image. He said, "I was scared that it would impact my chances of performing or appearing at events. I didn’t realize this response would lead to such a big issue."
He further clarified, “In November 2014, when I was 20 years old, I was assessed as a grade 7 candidate for re-examination during my military service evaluation. After several re-examinations, I was classified as a grade 5 worker for wartime labor in 2018. I have been consistently taking medication and receiving psychological treatment for related conditions from about 10 years ago until now.”
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