SEVENTEEN’s Woozi Gets Asked For “Inappropriate Favor” During Military Enlistment
SEVENTEEN’s Woozi was reportedly asked to handle a personal request by a military superior shortly after beginning his mandatory service.
While the military says no rules were broken, the incident has drawn criticism over whether the request itself was appropriate.
According to reports, a non-commissioned officer at the Army Training Center asked Woozi, who had just enlisted as a trainee, to help find a singer to perform at his wedding. Woozi and the officer were not known to have any personal connection prior to Woozi’s enlistment.
Woozi allegedly contacted a well-known ballad singer he was acquainted with, who later performed at the wedding without receiving payment. The performance took place the following month.
Military officials stated the request was not coercive and that Woozi agreed voluntarily. They added that the request was not an official order and did not violate regulations.
After reviewing the situation, it was determined that this was not the result of an improper order, but rather something done at Woozi’s personal discretion as a favor. There was no illegal act or violation of regulations.
— Training Center Official
However, others argue that making a personal request to a new trainee is problematic, as the military’s strict hierarchy can make it difficult to refuse a superior’s request, even if it is framed informally.
There are many court precedents that consider the rigid hierarchy and closed nature of the military, where it is effectively difficult to refuse a superior’s personal request, to be an important factor in judgment.
— Attorney Noh Jong Eon
The Army stated that Woozi has since been selected as a drill instructor assistant and is currently serving in the same training unit as the officer who asked for the favor.
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