Actor Na In Woo has addressed his exemption from his compulsory military service, which caused controversy after he was deemed physically fit for service.
On January 9, Na made his first public appearance since the controversy at a press conference for MBC’s new drama, Motel California in Seoul.
In attendance alongside director Kim Hyung Min and cast members Lee Se Young, Goo Won, and Choi Hee Jin, the actor addressed questions regarding his military enrollment status.
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In December, it was reported that Na In Woo had been exempted from his compulsory service. The actor had received a Grade 4 evaluation during his physical examination, which deemed him eligible for social service duty. Three years later, however, Na was still yet to receive a summons from South Korea’s Military Manpower Administration.
Later, the actor reportedly became eligible for exemption due to the three-year delay.
The actor’s agency, HANADA Company, issued a statement confirming the news, adding that they had nothing further to say, providing no clarification as to why Na was evaluated at Grade 4.
To reporters at the press conference, the actor claimed that he was caught off-guard by the reports and opted to stay silent on the controversy for the sake of the drama.
“To be honest, the articles (about the military exemption) came out while I was filming (Motel California) and I was caught off-guard,” he said.
“I received a call about it after filming was over and it was late at night. Since it was a sensitive issue, I had to make a decision quickly and I chose to remain silent.”
The actor added that he put on an unaffected face since his fans know him for his bright and positive image. The actor explained that he couldn’t reveal the reason behind his Grade 4 assessment.
“I can’t reveal my medical condition but I am speaking candidly now in hopes that people will accept me the way I am,” he said.
Motel California is slated to premiere on January 10 at 9:50 PM KST.
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