Pic: above from top: Ji Seong, Yoon Gye Sang (in military fatigue), Yoon Gye Sang (in cheesy pose) and Park Jae Sang aka Psy
Some Korean entertainers try to escape military conscription by pledging medical conditions making them unsuitable for conscription while one other Korean entertainer knowing he has a knee injury but still went ahead with conscription for the fear from accusation of using his medical condition as an excuse. Most Korean entertainers under 35, try very hard to maintain their registration as students, thus, bidding time to further their careers.
It was rumoured that Rain changed university recently so as to maintain his status as a student. Kangta who is another due for military conscription is holding on tight to his student status. Last month, Kim Rae Won has requested for the second time to defer his military conscription because he has just starting with shooting of his new drama. Apparently, his first notice of conscription was received while he was filming another drama then but he did not know what happened to the notice and continue with his career.
While Jo In sung who was thrown out of Dongguk University a couple of months back for not meeting the minimum number of hours, has also been rumoured to be conscripted by end of this year. Rumour has it he received his conscription after filming A Dirty Carnival last May but he started going back to school. Looking at Jo In Sung´s schedule from since he finished with the above 44th Daejong nominee for Best Film category, he has not committed to any film or drama to his fans´ consternation. His ardent fans are hoping he would act in a drama s to tie them over his impending two years in the mandatory military service.
Song Seun Hun (from Autumn Tale or Autumn in my Heart with Song Hye Gyo, Summer Scent, Happy Together fame) had to apologise to his fans for trying to dodge military service but his fans have since forgiven him with a resounding welcome back meeting last year. Fans from all over Asia went for the meeting, even a sole representative fan from Malaysia flew there for the meeting.
However not all Korean entertainers are/were dodging the dreaded military service. Yoon Gye Sang, formerly from the boyband, G.O.D; Korean drama: My 19 years sister in law (with the late Jung Da Bin) and Korean movie: Flying Boys (in which he won the best newcomer in 2005 Paesang Art Award) did not defer his responsibility even though he was signed on to work with the perennial favourite Korean actress, Lee Young Ae then. He even earned a star for good marksmanship and received a citation from the division commander after completing his boot training and was despatched to a reconnaissance company as a sniper. On his release, Yoon Gye Sang acted in the SBS drama “Crazy for Love” aired on Feb. 3, 2007.
Others who have done their tour of duty last year were Jang Hyuk (Korean movie: Windstruck and recently ended 2007 Korean drama: Thank you), Go Soo (Korean dramas: Green Rose, Marrying a Millionaire, Piano fame), etc. And of course, So Ji Sub (Sorry I love you, What happen in Bali fame) done his entertainment brothers proud by completing his, two months ago in April. Looking back, these korean actors are very much in demand after doing military service. Jang Hyuk and So Jib Sub were immediately recruited to act in new korean dramas. So perhaps, they should view the compulsory conscription as a blessing in disguise as they immediately become hot properties on their emergence from the two years forced absences. Ji Seong (aka Ji Sung) who has just completed his tour last week has in a minor role in a movie.
Kim Jeong Hoon who so far, as the only actor who publicly said that he dreaded military service after acting in DMZ in 2004, should be due for national service anytime.
(Oh, I am saying the following in jest, please do not quote me) He might be a Thai citizen by then! I wonder how are dual citizenships viewed in Korea? Any idea?
Written by Kwfong exclusively for Shenyuepop.com
Source: The China Press, Jeff Chung (KFPD), KBS Global.
Picture Source: mnklove (Cyworld), Hankooki, Hancinema, etc.
DO NOT REMOVE ORIGINAL CREDITS AND ADD OTHER CREDITS
Yoon Kyesang while still with G.O.D. - as long as you love me
Kim Jeong Hoon’s DMZ Haircut Video
Song Seung Hun YTN STAR NEWS 01/08/2007
Source: The Korean Herald, 5 June 2007
Psy quizzed over army draft evasionPopular singer Park Jae-sang, better known as Psy, was yesterday questioned over his alleged evasion of military conscription at a seoul prosecuters’ office.
“I’ll fully cooperate with the prosecution interrogation,” said Park wearing a gray suit as he entered the Seoul Eastern Prosecutors’ Office.Prosecutors suspect Park, 29, neglected his duty as a worker at a high-tech company in Seoul, where workers are exempt from the country’s 24-month-long mandatory military duty.
“We’re currently verifying various suspicions, including whether or not the singer Psy actually has the special skills as a computer programmer that exempted him from military conscription,” said Han Myong-kwan, a senior prosecutor.
Park was hired to develop computer software at the information technology firm, but prosecutors have doubts of his capability of doing the work given to him.
“We’ve heard that he is bad at handling computers,” Han said.
The government exempts technology researchers and professional skilled workers with special expertise under the condition of working for some 18,000 companies designated by the Seoul Military Manpower Administration.
However, when asked about his slackness at work between 2003 and 2005 by reporters, Park denied the allegation, saying “yes” that he worked properly from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for 30 months.
Prosecutors are also investigating the alleged bribery charges between Park’s uncle and the company Park had worked.
“We will soon summon his uncle as well,” Han said.
Since April, prosecutors questioned two other popular singers who were exempted from conscription after they were hired by a computer game development company.
They also summoned some 20 officials from six companies and 10 soccer players in the same case. Those companies are alleged to have violated the rules, and some allegedly hired company executives’ relatives and acquaintances.
By Annie I. Bang
(aibang@heraldm.com)
