Many top celebrities who are currently serving in the military are due to finish their service in 2019. While it felt as if the time would never pass, fans are excited to hear that their long wait is coming to an end.
One of these stars to finish his compulsory duty is BIGBANG’s T.O.P. However, his return is sooner than expected. So why is it so?
Originally, T.O.P’s discharge date was set to the beginning of August, but due to the new reduction regulations implemented in 2018, his service period has been shortened. "Choi Seung Hyun (T.O.P's real name) will be discharged from his mandatory service on July 8,” the rep stated. “Due to the government's mandatory service law which went into effect last year for public service workers as well, his mandatory service date has been shortened by approximately 27 days."
On July 27, 2018, the government revealed Defense Reform 2.0, which shortens the military service period. In the case of public service agents, the reform has been applied gradually in steps starting with those who started their service on October 3, 2016.
In March 2017, T.O.P originally enlisted in the military as a conscripted policeman under the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency. However, due to a marijuana case, the idol was dismissed from his service and was eventually sentenced for the offense in July of the same year. To continue his halted service, he was then transferred to the Yongsan Office District to serve as a public service officer in January 2018.
Although reports surfaced suspecting that T.O.P had been receiving special treatment while serving his mandatory military duties, the Yongsan District Office fully denied the reports with a thorough explanation, confirming that T.O.P submitted all the required documents needed to prove the validity of his reasons for taking sick leave.
Now that T.O.P will be discharged soon, fans are just counting down the days to see him complete his compulsory duties and be active on social media and the entertainment world once again.
The 31-year-old rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor posts almost regularly on Instagram -- from arts to wine, to food, etc. Plus, T.O.P replies to comments and would give some savage response at times. The Big Bang star also loves telling stories, which is why fans couldn’t wait to hear him share his military experiences.
Meanwhile, his fellow BIGBANG members are also slated to complete their military service this year. Specifically, G-Dragon will be discharged in October while Taeyang and Daesung are scheduled to return in November.
