Actor Jang Keun-Suk will enlist today, but a previous controversy hangs over the event.
Starting today (July 16) actor Jang Keun-suk will enlist and begin basic training for social service personnel. After completing this, the actor will begin alternative service as a social worker for the next two years.
Hanging over the significant event is a cloud of controversy and speculation regarding Jang’s alternative service. Earlier this month, his agency TreeJ Company that he would serve as a social service agent because of bipolar disorder, a mental illness that disqualifies him from active duty.
According to the company, Jang was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a university hospital in 2011. Moreover, by request for re-examination by the Military Manpower Administration, Jang was confirmed to still be suffering from the illness and was classified as a four-grade social service worker. However, some netizens speculated that the real reason behind his placement harkened back to an old law regarding only sons.
Before, the military excused men without siblings from serving as active soldiers. In response, the Military Manpower Administration debunked the rumors asserting that South Korea revoked the policy in 1994. Unfortunately, that has not stopped some from continuing to speculate.
Fortunately, Jang seems to be unbothered for the most part. In a message to fans, the actor said that from now on he wants to “spend my two years like they are the most meaningful time in my life,” and that in the 27 years since he made his debut as a child he has never really had a chance to be by himself. As such, for the first time, he will be able to live life outside of being an actor, making the experience exciting and refreshing.
Meanwhile, Jang will complete his military service on July 15, 2020.
Translated by O.C
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