F.T. Island's Minhwan will start his mandatory enlistment later this month after he and wife Yulhee welcomed their twin girls to their family last February 11.
According to a report by All Kpop, Minhwan will start his mandatory enlistment on February 24. The FT Island member has requested to serve as a full-time reserve officer so that he may help his wife care for their son and twin daughters. Serving as a reserve officer will allow him to commute back home every night to his family.
Minhwan's request has reportedly been granted. However, no public announcement has yet been made by his agency, FNC Entertainment. If Minhwan starts his enlistment on February 24, he will be discharged 21 months later on September 2021.
It can be recalled that in an episode of Mr. House Husband that Minhwan expressed concerns about his wife caring for three kids on her own if he enlists to the military soon. At the time, Yulhee was still pregnant with their twin baby girls.
His mother advised him that he should still go ahead with his enlistment as part of his duty to his country. His mom also advised him that even though it will be challenging for Yulhee to wait for her husband and raise the kids alone, she will be fine.
It was earlier rumored that Minhwan could apply for exemption from mandatory enlistment in consideration of having three young kids to care for. However, the Military Manpower Administration debunked the reports and said that the FT Island member was not qualified for the exemption.
Only classical musicians and athletes who have brought the country honor in specific competitions are qualified for the exemption. The category does not include pop culture artists such as Minhwan.
Also, individuals who can prove that their families will have no source of income or those who fall under a certain income threshold will qualify for the exemption. Minhwan and Yulhee can very much provide for their family within the 21 month period that the FT Island member will complete his military service. Applying as a full-time reserve officer who can come home to his family daily is the best option available to Minhwan and he is not the only celebrity to avail of this option.
It can be recalled that actor Sung Joon recently revealed that he got married before he enlisted and is now the father of a child. He is also serving as a full-time reserve officer to support his family, Koreaboo reported.
