SEVENTEEN's S.Coups Confirmed To Be Exempt From Military Service

SEVENTEEN‘s S.Coups will be exempted from mandatory military service.

Reportedly, S.Coups has been officially classified as Grade 5. On March 1, his agency, PLEDIS Entertainment, confirmed with a statement that he would be exempt due to his ACL injury. S.Coups suffered the injury while playing ball during a content shoot in August 2023. A torn ACL is considered one of the most devastating injuries in the world of sports.

S.Coups underwent anterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament reconstruction surgeries due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the left knee. With both surgeries having been extensive, he has been undergoing rehabilitation therapy since last year, and it has now resulted in him being classified as Grade 5.

— PLEDIS Entertainment

Before joining the military, one must pass a physical examination, being placed in one of seven categories. Men classified as Grade 5 are technically exempt from mandatory military service but during periods of peace. If a war were to occur, they would be required to perform labor, supporting the military, but they’re ruled as “incapable of serving in active duty.”

A conscripted military force is an integral part of Korean society. According to the Military Manpower Administration, the government agency responsible for managing the conscription system, the practice has a long history in Korea. Its modern iteration is based on Article 39 of the Korean constitution, which was promulgated after the establishment of the Republic of Korea and says that “all citizens shall have the duty of national defense.” Further details are laid out in the Military Service Act (MSA), which has since been revised several times after being introduced in 1949. Article 8 says that all men “shall be enlisted for the first citizen service when he attains the age of 18 years.” Article 12 adds that after a physical examination, conscripts are graded according to their capability and physical fitness. Those in grades 1 through 4 are enlisted into the military or other supporting roles based on their physical capabilities and qualifications. Those in grade 5 are instead required to perform labor in support of the military during wartime. Those in grade 7 are required to be examined the next year.

— KEI

PLEDIS Entertainment also commented regarding a rumored April comeback for SEVENTEEN. An official announcement will be made at a later date.

Specific comeback schedules will be officially announced later.

— PLEDIS Entertainment

Recently, PLEDIS Entertainment released a statement about S.Coups’ and fellow member Jeonghan‘s return after recovering from their respective surgeries. Read more below.