Yoo Ah-in, belatedly known “bone tumor” diagnosis… The reason for military exemption revealed
The entertainment industry was always eventful. Let’s look back on the issue of “Today” (February 15th) in that history.
Yoo Ah-in, bone tumor diagnosis was belatedly known (February 15th, 2017)
It was belatedly known that actor Yoo Ah-in was diagnosed with a bone tumor. It was also found that the diagnosis of bone tumor was related to the fact that he was given a decision to withhold military service grade in the previous three physical examinations by the Military Manpower Administration.
At that time, Yoo Ah-in’s agency UAA issued a statement when the news of his diagnosis of bone tumor was reported through a media outlet on the same day. They said, “It’s correct that Yoo Ah-in is suffering from a bone tumor. It’s not malignant, so it’s not a serious situation. It’s difficult to reveal further details.”
The news of Yoo Ah-in’s diagnosis of bone tumor came to light unexpectedly, but it also served as an opportunity to clear up suspicions of military service evasion raised by some people.
Previously, Yoo Ah-in was judged as “withholding military service grade” three times in the Military Manpower Administration’s conscription test. Withholding military service grade means that “the military service grade judgment is withheld because it is necessary to observe the progress of the injured area.” Yoo Ah-in was first judged to be suspended from military service during a physical examination in December 2015, and was respectively judged the same in May 2016 and December 2016. Regarding the news of Yoo Ah-in‘s diagnosis of bone tumor ahead of the fourth reexamination in May 2017, public opinion grew that the decision to withhold his military service grade was not a trick to avoid military service.
Yoo Ah-in suffered a ruptured right shoulder muscle while filming the movie “Tough As Iron” in 2013, and his symptoms worsened when he filmed the movie “Veteran” the following year. During the hospital examination of the injured area, it was confirmed that he had a bone tumor, so he continued his activities carefully while monitoring the prognosis.
However, since some people did not take their suspicions away, Yoo Ah-in personally issued a statement. On February 16th, 2017, the day after his diagnosis of bone tumor was announced, Yoo Ah-in explained his status in detail as well as shared his thoughts through his agency.
In a lengthy post, Yoo Ah-in expressed regret, saying, “It was remiss of me not to show you my continuous and additional health problems due to unexpected illnesses and careless self-management. I am deeply saddened by the fact that my issue has become a catalyst to deepen the worries of many people and spread the controversy that stimulates national sentiment that is sensitive to military problems. I sincerely apologize to everyone who has watched my journey with love and attention.”
Then he added, “Like everyone else, my body is like a vessel for my soul. It’s a wall that collides with the outside world. At the same time, it’s a tool to express my inner world. My injuries and health problems that created the controversy are my misfortune, but they are never a tool for military evasion. Personally, I find the reality, that my misfortune is a matter which makes me seek forgiveness from others, very difficult. But I would like to accept this as my duty as an actor who grows and flourishes through the concerns and love of the public. I’ll carry out my duty as a professional who has social influence, and I’ll fulfill my obligation as a citizen by washing away the concerns of many people who have been hurt by the controversy. I’ll strive to exist as a member of a healthy society.”
Yoo Ah-in, who was born in 1986, was exempted from military duty after the fourth conscription test in May 2017.
