Amidst the controversy over military service exemption for idols, the behind story of 2PM Taecyeon’s enlistment has been brought up again
While the controversy over military service exemption for idols continues, the sincerity and efforts made by 2PM’s Taecyeon to complete his military service are being re-examined.
Taecyeon, who moved to the U.S with his family in 2000, was exempted from military service thanks to his American permanent residence visa. However, he boldly gave up his green card for enlistment in 2010. It is known that his enlistment was also greatly influenced by the series of provocative acts from North America at that time.
Appearing on a broadcast around that time, Taecyeon said, “The Cheonan attack was an incident that made me feel a lot of things”, adding, “While considering how to repay the love I have received while working as a singer, I think I should fulfill my duty properly as a Korean citizen”.
Through the military service health examination, Taecyeon was considered to serve as a public service personnel due to lumbar disc herniation. His enlistment almost fell through, However, Taecyeon underwent back surgery twice in 2012 and 2013 with a determination to enlist as an active-duty soldier.
After removing the metal pin embedded in his broken arm, Taecyeon was finally declared suitable for active duty in the re-examination in 2013. It is known that Taecyeon couldn’t hold his happiness and cheered when receiving the result.
Taecyeon joined the Infantry Division 9‘s boot camp in September 2017 and served there for 21 months. He was selected as a military instruction assistant thanks to his outstanding performances and received numerous commendations and merit certifications, including being awarded as a Special Class Warrior, during his service period.
Taecyeon’s case has recently been re-examined amidst the controversy over BTS’s military service exemption.
BTS has already received a benefit once according to the revision to the Military Service Act in 2020, which allows “excellent people in the field of popular culture and arts” to delay their military call-ups. However, if there is no further revision of the law to be made, Jin, who was born on December 4th, 1992, must join the army by the end of this year when he turns 30.
Currently, an amendment to the Military Service Act., which suggests popular cultural artists who have gained great achievements be allowed to do alternative services, is still pending in the National Assembly.
In this regard, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held a press conference on May 4th and urged the National Assembly to quickly deal with the revision of the Military Service Act, saying, “Popular culture artists should also be allowed to receive military service exemptions”
