A former K-pop idol has been charged with faking medical records to avoid military service! We examine why this has been happening and what other Korean celebrities have tried to do the same!
In South Korea, able males must join the Korean Army (National Service) between the ages of 18 and 35, as technically South Korea is still at war with North Korea. If you are part of the National team for the Olympics, for example, then you can be exempt from mandatory military service.
When BTS were conscripted, there was a big debate as to whether or not they should be exempt due to their outstanding work in the K-pop and K-culture industry, however after a lot of backlash the BTS members went ahead with their mandatory military service.
This can not be said however for other K-pop or K-drama stars, who have tried to get out of their duty to their country, and some stars have tried to fake their medical records to get out of completing service due to ill health (such as being underweight or having bad eyesight).
Due to the sensitivity of this topic, the actual names have been blanked out. However, on September 9, 2024, the Changwon District Prosecutor’s Office announced that it had indicted A without detention on charges of violating the Military Service Act, forgery of documents, and violating the Information and Communication Network Act.
The prosecution also indicted A’s mother, “B,” and a nurse, “C,” who helped falsify the medical records. According to the prosecution, in May 2021, A and B forged medical records from a doctor to lower A’s military classification from Grade 1 (fit for active duty) to Grade 4 (reserved service). This means that they can work within their community such as helping the elderly, less privileged, etc. If you have not completed your mandatory service, this is often looked down on in Korean society.
However, after reviewing computer log records, phone call recordings between the co-conspirators, and other evidence, the prosecution determined there was enough evidence to proceed with the case. Earlier, in March, the prosecution requested a reinvestigation, and by May, A was charged with violating the Military Service Act, while B faced additional forgery charges.
Further investigation, including two rounds of medical evaluations of the MRI submitted during A’s military examination, revealed that A did not suffer from the illness that was cited as the reason for his military exemption. C, the nurse who accessed the hospital’s computer system to falsify the records at B’s request, was also identified and charged. If convicted, A, who completed his service as a Grade 4 reservist, may have to re-enlist as an active-duty soldier.
Let's take a look at some Korean celebrities who have already tried to dodge their mandatory military service.
Although in the UK conscription (mandatory military service) is not required, I believe that it is a good thing as it helps you gain discipline, become more grounded, and respect society and other people, not to mention that it is good for health and learning new skills.
Being in the public eye, there is no question that the documents would have been leaked by someone to either gain some fame for themselves or to remind the stars involved that they too simply, are no different from everyone else.
Let us know your thoughts on this topic in the comments below.
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