SEVENTEEN Wonwoo’s Military Enlistment Notice Sparks Heated Backlash From Koreans

Wonwoo will be serving as a public servant.

SEVENTEEN’s Wonwoo has officially announced his military enlistment. While fans have been wishing him a healthy enlistment, the news has stirred quite the controversy among Korean netizens.

wonwoo teaser
| Pledis Entertainment

On March 5, Pledis Entertainment released a statement confirming that Wonwoo will begin his service on April 3. As a result, he will not be able to participate in any scheduled events from then on. Pledis revealed that Wonwoo would be enlisting as a public servant and urged fans not to visit his workplace and instead show their support through Weverse.

The announcement has sparked heated discussions online, particularly over the fact that Wonwoo will be serving in public service rather than as an active-duty soldier. Many netizens pointed out that idols often seem to receive alternative service assignments, while most ordinary citizens are required to serve in active duty, regardless of their circumstances.

wonwoo teaser 1
| Pledis Entertainment

In South Korea, men must undergo a military health examination before enlistment, and those with severe health issues may be assigned to public service instead of active duty. While the exact reason for Wonwoo’s assignment remains undisclosed, some netizens have expressed skepticism, questioning why idols frequently receive these exemptions when even individuals with serious medical conditions are sent to active duty.

wonwoo press 1

Many argue that unless a legitimate health issue exists, public service assignments should not be given so easily.

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| TheQoo
  • “I thought Hoshi would go first, but unexpectedly, Wonwoo is enlisting first… Take care!”
  • “Does this group even have any members serving as active-duty soldiers?”
  • “If he doesn’t seem to have any major health issues, then of course people are going to wonder why he’s assigned to public service.”
  • “Regular people get dragged into active duty no matter what they do.”
  • “I’m sure there’s a reason he’s assigned to public service, but it’s still surprising… They even send cancer patients to active duty.”

As Wonwoo prepares for his enlistment, the debate over fairness in military service assignments continues.

Source: TheQoo

SEVENTEEN

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