• Na In Woo Breaks Silence on Military Exemption Controversy — Attends First Event After 3 Years of Waiting

    Actor Na In Woo, who has been at the center of a heated military exemption controversy, is making his first official public appearance today!

    On January 9, Na In Woo is set to attend the press conference for MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama, Motel California, at the Golden Mouse Hall in Sangam-dong, Seoul. This marks his first major event since news of his military exemption broke, sparking intense public interest in whether he’ll finally address the issue.

    Na In Woo recently stirred controversy after it was revealed that he had been exempted from military service. Initially, he received a Grade 4 classification (supplementary service) during his physical examination and was waiting to serve as a social service worker.

    However, after three years of waiting without being summoned by the Military Manpower Administration, he became eligible for exemption under the Military Service Act.

    According to the law, individuals with a Grade 4 classification who are not called up within three years are automatically exempt. Reports say over 10,000 individuals, including Na In Woo, have received exemptions under this provision since 2019.

    Last month, Na In Woo’s agency, Hanada Company, confirmed the news, stating, "Na In Woo received a Grade 4 classification and was waiting for his assignment when he was exempted according to the Military Manpower Administration’s decision. There is nothing further to comment on as this was an administrative decision."

    However, the agency did not provide any details about why Na In Woo received a Grade 4 classification in the first place. To add to the speculation, Na In Woo stepped down from the KBS2 variety show 2 Days & 1 Night last June due to enlistment-related concerns, which fueled more questions about his military status.

    So far, Na In Woo has not personally addressed the controversy. Fans and the media are eagerly waiting to see if he will break his silence during the press conference. Many are hoping for clarity on the situation, especially regarding the reasons for his Grade 4 classification.

    Meanwhile, Motel California is a romantic drama following a woman who grew up in a rural motel and reconnects with her first love 12 years after leaving her hometown. The story promises to bring laughter and tears as the characters navigate love and life while "remodeling" their relationships. Na In Woo plays Chun Yeon Soo, a charming veterinarian who is also the most eligible son-in-law among local farm families.

    Stay tuned for updates from the press conference.

    Source (1)

  • BTS’ J-Hope Gets Swarmed with Photo Requests in the US—Even Grandmothers Want a Picture

    BTS member J-Hope has truly made a mark in the U.S. market, and it’s clear that his popularity knows no bounds!

    On February 28th, during the latest episode of MBC’s variety show I Live Alone (episode 585), viewers got a glimpse into J-Hope’s daily life in LA, where he was busy working on his solo album.

    The episode showed him visiting a busy shopping mall in California, and what happened next was nothing short of amazing.

    While shopping for meat at a butcher’s shop, J-Hope was approached by a young girl who asked, “Can you take a photo with my sister?”

    This request was just the beginning! Soon after, more fans gathered around asking for photos and autographs.

    One man even mentioned, “My friend works here, can I get an autograph?” But the real shocker came when a grandmother approached him and said, “My grandchildren are your fans.”

    Park Na Rae was in awe, exclaiming, “It doesn’t matter the nationality. Even grandmothers are coming!”

    J-Hope, always humble, couldn’t believe how widely recognized he was. “I didn’t think I’d be recognized in the local market,” he admitted.

    But Jeon Hyun Moo quickly shut him down, saying, “What are you talking about? You’re a world star.”

    He continued, “Americans usually don’t do that kind of thing. Even if Keanu Reeves takes the subway, people don’t acknowledge him.”

    Jeon Hyun Moo’s words perfectly captured just how incredible J-Hope’s global fame has become!

    From fans of all ages to being recognized in the U.S. with ease, J-Hope is truly a world star!

    Source: [1]