“He’s Basically Exempt…” Popular Idol’s Lack Of Military Enlistment Sparks Controversy

A recent viral post has brought renewed attention to former NU’EST member and soloist Baekho, questioning why he has yet to fulfill his mandatory military service.

The post noted that most male idols born in 1995 have already completed or are currently serving their military duty and wondered why Baekho hasn’t announced anything yet. The short question quickly sparked hundreds of comments from netizens who began speculating about Baekho’s current enlistment status and possible reasons for his delay.

Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men are required to enlist by the age of 30. Since Baekho — born in July 1995 — turns 30 this year, many believe this year is his final deadline to enlist unless exempted. With no official news from his agency or Baekho himself, the silence has led to growing suspicion among fans and the public alike.

Some netizens speculated that he might be set to serve in public service, a form of alternative service given to individuals who are not deemed fit for active duty due to medical or personal reasons. Others pointed out the inconsistency of seeing idols perform high-intensity choreography and appear physically fit, yet later claim health issues when it comes to enlistment.

These assumptions have only added fuel to the ongoing debate about fairness and transparency in how celebrities fulfill their military obligations.

• “People really need to start looking into how idols end up doing public service instead. They’re totally fine singing, dancing, and flying around on stage, but suddenly claim to be sick and go the public service route????? He’s probably doing public service too, or trying to get exempted with that big build of his?”
• “I’m curious too. He looks so strong and healthy.”
• “Funny how they work out like crazy at the gym, but when it comes to the military, they suddenly get sick lol.”
• “If all his peers have already enlisted and he hasn’t, he’s 100% waiting to be assigned to public service. Then after a long wait, he’ll end up getting exempted.”
• “If he was born in ’95, this year’s the deadline. If he doesn’t go this year, he’s basically exempt.”

As of now, there has been no official statement addressing the issue.