In a significant development for K-pop group Seventeen and their fans, leader S.Coups has been reportedly exempted from South Korea’s mandatory military service. This news, as reported by a media outlet on March 1 KST, comes in the wake of S.Coups’ recent knee surgery and subsequent recovery period.
S.Coups, who had undergone a physical examination as part of the mandatory service assignment process, has been declared fully exempt from the service due to his recent injuries. The decision exempts him from both active duty and public service duties, allowing him to focus on his health and recovery.
This exemption follows a challenging period for S.Coups, who, in August 2023, suffered a significant injury—a cruciate ligament rupture in his left knee—during a filming schedule. The severity of the injury necessitated surgical intervention and an extended period of treatment, leading to a temporary pause in his promotional activities with Seventeen.
Since the injury, S.Coups has made only limited public appearances, concentrating primarily on his recovery. In a positive update, Pledis Entertainment, on February 23, announced that S.Coups’s condition had improved notably. The agency confirmed that the idol would gradually resume his schedules starting in March, provided they do not involve strenuous physical activity.
Meanwhile, the news of S.Coups’ exemption comes amidst Seventeen’s preparation for a new album, set to be released in April. This upcoming project is eagerly anticipated by fans, who have been supportive of S.Coups throughout his recovery journey.
The exemption from mandatory military service for S.Coups is a relief for both the idol and his fans, as it ensures his continued involvement with Seventeen’s activities while prioritizing his health. As Seventeen gears up for their next musical chapter, fans are excited to see S.Coups back in action, albeit in a capacity that respects his ongoing recovery process. The group’s return with a new album is set to add another milestone to their already impressive career in the K-pop industry.