Actor Nainu received a Grade 4 supplementary military service classification during his military examination and, after waiting for three years for social service personnel summons, has now been granted military exemption. Given Nainu's impressive physical abilities showcased in various entertainment programs and dramas, there is significant interest in the reasons behind his Grade 4 classification.
On the 17th, Nainu's agency Hanada Company stated to Maeil Business Star Today, "He received a Grade 4 supplementary military service classification and was waiting for contact from the Military Manpower Administration, but after three years, he was informed that he has become eligible for exemption." Regarding the reasons for the Grade 4 classification, they said, "We need to confirm," and refrained from further comments.
According to the Military Service Act, if a person classified as Grade 4 supplementary military service is not summoned for three years, they will receive a 'military exemption' decision. Since 2019, more than 10,000 individuals have received military exemption each year. This year, over 10,000 individuals have also received this decision.
In this context, Nainu's reasons for receiving a Grade 4 supplementary military service classification remain undisclosed, raising curiosity.
According to the Military Manpower Administration's physical classification criteria, Grades 1 to 3 are classified as active duty soldiers, while Grade 4 falls under supplementary military service.
Receiving a supplementary military service classification does not interfere with daily life, but it is determined that management in the military is not possible due to certain conditions. Specifically, this includes individuals taller than 204 cm or shorter than 158.9 cm, those with a BMI of 14.9 or lower (severe underweight) or 40 or higher (obesity), those receiving treatment for conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, asthma, or those with mental health disorders like depression that are severe enough to qualify for Grade 4. Additionally, individuals who have not completed high school or have family members who were killed in action or died while on duty, as well as those who have received suspended sentences or actual prison sentences, also receive a Grade 4 classification.
Nainu has showcased his exceptional physical abilities through various broadcasts. He was urgently brought in to replace Ji Soo, who left KBS2's 'River Where the Moon Rises' due to school violence controversies. He took on the role of the general Ondal, which required filming battle scenes and re-shooting previously filmed scenes with Ji Soo, but he managed to handle the demanding schedule without any issues.
Additionally, through KBS1's variety program '2 Days & 1 Night Season 4', he demonstrated overwhelming physical strength, running up mountains and not tiring from intense tasks. Notably, in a broadcast last January, he received praise from national bobsleigh and skeleton representatives during training, saying, "I think I'm doing the best," which drew attention.
In response to this, netizens have commented, "I didn't know that over 10,000 people are exempted every year. He's lucky," "Was leaving '2 Days & 1 Night' unnecessary?" "I'm curious why he received Grade 4," "He seemed fine on the show, is he sick?" "In Korea, it might be better for celebrities to serve in the military for image reasons," "It's amazing that exemption is possible like this, congratulations," among other reactions.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
