On June 22 at 6 p.m. KST, former VIXX member Ravi released his new digital single “Nyeok” (녘) through major online music platforms, marking his first musical release since becoming embroiled in a military service evasion scandal.

“Nyeok” explores the various emotions and moments encountered throughout life, interpreted through Ravi’s personal perspective and artistic sensibility. The song is particularly significant because it represents the artist’s first official release since the military service controversy that temporarily halted his activities and drew widespread public criticism.

Ravi

Earlier this year, on March 27, Ravi addressed fans through a lengthy statement. “Hello, this is Ravi. It’s been a long time since I greeted you,” he began. The rapper explained that while serving as a public service worker from October 2022, he became involved in legal proceedings related to violations of the Military Service Act, which resulted in an interruption of his service. Following instructions from the Military Manpower Administration, he completed the remainder of his required service and was officially discharged on December 13, 2025.

Ravi also expressed remorse for his actions. He admitted that during the ordeal, he realized he had sought understanding by using his personal circumstances as an excuse rather than taking full responsibility for his actions. He further acknowledged that his decisions had caused harm to others and offered another apology to those affected. The singer pledged to continue learning from his mistakes and strive to become a better person moving forward.

According to prosecutors, Ravi was indicted without detention for conspiring with a military service broker identified only as Mr. Gu. Investigators alleged that Ravi attempted to evade military service by pretending to suffer from epilepsy and obtaining a false medical diagnosis that could potentially qualify him for military exemption.

Authorities stated that Ravi received an “epilepsy scenario” from the broker and acted as though he had experienced a seizure during medical examinations. Even after a physician reportedly concluded that no symptoms were present, Ravi allegedly continued requesting medication and sought documentation supporting treatment for epilepsy.

Prosecutors also revealed that after Ravi submitted medical documents suggesting suspected epilepsy to the Military Manpower Administration in 2021, the broker reportedly sent him a message saying, “Good, you’re exempt from military service.”

During his first trial hearing on April 11, Ravi admitted all of the prosecution’s allegations. After receiving a Grade 4 supplementary service classification, he carried out alternative service as a public service worker beginning in October 2023.

The court ultimately found him guilty of violating the Military Service Act and sentenced him to:

  • One year in prison
  • Two years of probation
  • 120 hours of community service

In its ruling, the court stated that Ravi and the broker had carefully planned the scheme despite Ravi not actually suffering from epilepsy. The judges noted that the offense was serious because it involved an attempt to evade military duty and obstruct public officials through deception. However, the court also considered several mitigating factors, including:

  • Ravi being a first-time offender
  • His admission of wrongdoing
  • Demonstrated remorse
  • His eventual fulfillment of military obligations

As a result, the court suspended the prison sentence rather than imposing immediate incarceration. Although Ravi accepted the first court ruling and announced he would not appeal, prosecutors challenged the sentence, arguing that it was too lenient. They had originally sought a two-year prison sentence. However, the appellate court ultimately upheld the lower court’s ruling, maintaining the sentence of one year in prison with a two-year suspension.

Following his discharge from alternative service and public apology, Ravi gradually signaled his return to music by sharing photos of himself working in the studio. With the release of “Nyeok,” the artist has officially begun a new chapter in his career. Whether the public embraces his comeback remains to be seen, but the release marks his first major step back into the music industry after one of the most significant controversies of his career.

Sources: Daum | 스타뉴스