Baekhyun will be the fifth member of EXO to enlist in the country's military. However, he will not be enlisting himself as an active-duty soldier due to health concerns.
The reports first emerged from Dispatch, claiming that the Bambi artist is exempted from the service due to hypothyroidism. He has since received criticisms, particularly after discovering that he will fulfill his service as a social service worker, according to AllKpop.
Earlier this month, the K-Pop idol confirmed that the enlistment date will take place on his birthday, May 6. Several reports have since emerged about his condition, detailing how the Military Manpower Administration ruled that he is "not fit to serve" as an active soldier.
Koreaboo said that the EXO member submitted his medical records from the past year, along with a medical statement. This, then, caused him to receive low grades based on the military rulings.
A representative from the agency, reportedly, explained that, in the case of hypothyroidism, the military institution judges it based on three stages. If the enlistee is proven to be under medication for more than six months, the health grade will automatically be on the lowest section.
This is what happened in Baekhyun's case, considering that his treatments have been ongoing for a long time. Sources claimed that the K-Pop idol discovered his condition during his high school years. He has since been, reportedly, under monitoring, adding that he always goes for blood tests once a year.
Following the latest developments regarding Baekhyun's enlistment, many fans and followers raised several concerns about publications releasing private medical information before the public. As the talks continued to emerge, the EXO member quickly put the assertions to rest.
The City Lights artist published a personal letter to his fans via "Dear U. Bubble." He revealed the truth about the enlistment and health controversies that surfaced since the confirmation of his mandatory service.
He said that Dispatch released the article with his permission. He noted, though, that he was about to explain his side until the outlet reached out to him.
At the latter end of the personal letter, the EXO idol asked the fandom "not to worry too much" about him and his health. He assured everyone that he plans to "continue being happy" as the years go by.
Baekhyun, also, shockingly revealed that his hypothyroidism almost became a hindrance to his career in the K-Pop industry. He said that his debut in EXO, which took place nearly a decade ago, was "almost cancelled."
Now, as a social service worker, Baekhyun will have to undergo basic military training for three weeks starting on May 6. But, upon completion, he gets to go home every day at 6 PM, KST, and return the next day to fulfill another day of service.
