Trot singer Park Seo-jin (29) has received military exemption due to mental illness stemming from a troubled family background, and amid ongoing controversy, he has shared his position directly.
On the 2nd, Park Seo-jin stated through the official fan cafe, “First of all, I am truly sorry to greet you with news that has caused concern,” and began cautiously addressing the recent reports.
He revealed, “I was classified as a 7th-grade re-examination target during the military service examination I received at the age of 20 in November 2014, and after several re-examinations, I was ultimately classified as a 5th-grade reserve for wartime labor in 2018.”
He continued, “I have been consistently taking medication and undergoing psychological treatment at the hospital for related issues for about ten years now,” and added, “I was very scared that if it became known that I was exempt from military service due to mental illness, the perception towards me would change negatively, leading to a decrease in opportunities for broadcasting and events, which would disrupt my activities as a singer.”
He mentioned, “In a past interview, when asked, ‘What are your goals at an age where you are about to enlist?’ it was difficult to immediately speak out about having already received military exemption. So, I answered that my goal was to have a hit song, which I had always dreamed of. I never expected this answer would lead to such a big issue. I sincerely apologize once again to everyone who has felt disappointed by this incident.”
On the 28th of last month, Park Seo-jin revealed through his agency Tajo Entertainment that he received military exemption due to mental illness caused by family issues in his early twenties.
Recently, Park Seo-jin appeared on KBS2’s ‘Salim Men 2’ and shared his difficult past, including losing two older brothers in his early twenties and struggling with depression, as well as taking medication during a time when he was living a wandering life while playing the drum.
It is reported that he exhibited symptoms of depression and insomnia, and was granted military exemption due to mental illness during the physical examination by the Military Manpower Administration.
Tajo Entertainment stated, “We earnestly request that you refrain from speculative reports that are not based on facts, as well as malicious slander, indiscriminate insults, and the spread of false information regarding Park Seo-jin. The agency hopes that no further baseless rumors will arise.”
Below is the full text from Park Seo-jin's fan cafe post
Hello, this is Park Seo-jin.
First of all, I am truly sorry to greet you with news that has caused concern. I would like to cautiously address the recent reports.
I was classified as a 7th-grade re-examination target during the military service examination I received at the age of 20 in November 2014, and after several re-examinations, I was ultimately classified as a 5th-grade reserve for wartime labor in 2018.
I have been consistently taking medication and undergoing psychological treatment at the hospital for related issues for about ten years now.
I was very scared that if it became known that I was exempt from military service due to mental illness, the perception towards me would change negatively, leading to a decrease in opportunities for broadcasting and events, which would disrupt my activities as a singer.
In a past interview, when asked, ‘What are your goals at an age where you are about to enlist?’ it was difficult to immediately speak out about having already received military exemption.
Therefore, I answered that my goal was to have a hit song, which I had always dreamed of. I never expected this answer would lead to such a big issue.
I sincerely apologize once again to everyone who has felt disappointed by this incident.
I am sorry.
