Byun Baekhyun is in the news today because it’s his birthday (Happy Baekhyun! #happybaekhyunday). Baekhyun was sent a notice to enlist for military service last year, when he turned 27 and he plans to report for duty on May 6th, when he turns 29. Lets learn a little bit about military service in South Korea and when we get to see Baekhyun in action again.  

South Korea requires all able bodied men to serve in the military. According to the constitution of South Korea, Article 39 states, “All citizens shall have the duty of national defense under the conditions as prescribed by Act”. When men turn 18 years old, they are enlisted for military service, but not yet required to serve. At 19 years, men are required to undergo a physical exam to determine whether they are suitable for military service. They have to then enlist for military service by the time they turn 28. 

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Some exceptions have been granted from military service but they are rare. In the last decade it is estimated that a couple of hundred exceptions were granted for sports athletes who have represented the country and won medals for it in international competitions such as the Olympics. In 2020 a bill was passed by South Korean lawmakers that increased the age for enlistment for notable K Pop stars such as those belonging to the K-pop group BTS to 30 years old. 

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Baekhyun has been assessed to belong to “Grade 4” in terms of his health due to his Hypothyroidism. As a result he will work as a social worker instead of serving on active duty. After 3 weeks of training, he will work every day till 6 PM and then return home for the night. Mandatory military service in South Korea usually lasts for a year and nine months for non active duty personnel.