Beloved Kpop Idol Opens Up About Why He Was Exempt From Military Service

Singer Niel has revealed that he was “exempted from military service.”

Recently, Niel held a round interview at a café in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam, Seoul to mark the release of his 4th mini album.

Greeting reporters with a familiar face, Niel drew attention by bringing up his military service before the interview began. Born in 1994, Niel had raised questions among fans as there had been no news regarding his enlistment despite being of service age.

Addressing this, Niel explained, “I was classified as a social service worker in 2021 and had been waiting to serve, but last year I was reclassified as wartime labor personnel and was thus exempted.”

Note: Niel, being classified as “wartime labor personnel” means he does not need to fulfill standard military duties but could potentially be mobilized only in times of war, and is otherwise considered exempt.

His group TEEN TOP is expected to reunite as a full group next month when member Changjo completes his military service. When asked if he had any special plans aside from his solo album, Niel responded, “I plan to meet overseas fans as well. I’d like to visit places like Japan and Taiwan, and maybe hold a fan meeting in Korea too. Changjo is being discharged in May, so we’ll need to make some plans. I think this year will be the busiest one yet.”

Meanwhile, Niel’s 4th mini album SHE will be released on various music platforms at 6 p.m. on April 22.

Source: (A)