Song Min-ho will begin alternative service as a ‘social service worker’ on the 24th.
Many rappers complain of ‘mental illness’… Judged as ‘unfit for active duty’
“Another social service” sarcasm… Incongruent with public opinion
Song Min-ho, if he goes to the military, he'll be 'at the level of a fool'


《Yoon Jun-ho's Rebirth》

Reporter Junho Yoon of Ten Asia introduces trends in the entertainment industry. We look at the culture, fashion, and past works of celebrities across the entertainment industry and discuss fun and interesting aspects. Let's look back at what the needs of viewers have increased from the perspective of the MZ generation and what made it popular or uncomfortable with the public.


Group Winner Song Min-ho will begin alternative military service on the 24th. He plans to fulfill his national defense duties as a ‘social service worker’ rather than enlisting on active duty. The reason for enlisting as a ‘social service worker’ is unknown.

A significant number of rappers in the Korean hip-hop industry have enlisted as ‘social service workers’. In most cases, mental problems were the cause. Rappers who have not passed the threshold of active duty level. Some fans are even sarcastically saying, ‘If rappers go to the military, they will be treated like fools.’

In addition to Song Min-ho, there were many rappers serving as ‘social service workers’. Nafla, who was recently arrested on suspicion of ‘preferential military service’, also served at the Seocho-gu Office.

During the investigation process, there was nothing unusual regarding ‘military service corruption’. However, it is also true that he has not been classified as active duty. Although he complained of ‘mental illness’ in the past, the reason for his ‘determination of ineligibility for active duty’ is unknown. Simple ‘personal information’ is all that is explained.
Song Min-ho, if he goes to the military, he'll be 'at the level of a fool'


Rapper Swings is a person who has ‘completed his military service’. Swings received a physical grade of active duty and entered the army training center. Afterwards, while serving on a practical assignment, he suddenly confessed to having a ‘mental illness.’

It was revealed that Swings took medication related to ‘mental illness’ while serving in the military. Afterwards, he was discharged from the hospital due to problems with normal performance of duties and maladaptation to the environment.

Both Napla and Swings are far from ‘military service corruption’. Song Min-ho is also likely following the same path. However, the continued news of rappers being ‘unfit for active duty’ does not meet the public’s expectations.

The military service system and physical examination process change every year. As the population decreases every year, the number of soldiers is also decreasing. For that reason, the government is lowering the criteria for determining active duty. The only method of ‘exemption from military service’ that meets the lowered criteria for active duty service is ‘mental illness.’
Song Min-ho, if he goes to the military, he'll be 'at the level of a fool'


Song Min-ho has complained about ‘mental illness’ on broadcast. In reality, active duty service may be impossible, but this is why it seems questionable due to the rappers' past narratives. Song Min-ho appeared on the entertainment program ‘Oh Eun-young’s Golden Counseling Center’ in March last year.

Song Min-ho, who met psychiatrist Oh Eun-young, complained of discomfort in his daily life, saying, "I was diagnosed with panic disorder and bipolar disorder." He also said, "Since the end of 2017, I felt like I was going to die, I couldn't breathe, and I was on the verge of collapsing and dying. I am currently receiving mental health treatment."

Ravi, who has recently been accused of 'evading military service', is also claiming that 'depression' and 'panic disorder' are the main causes of his 'determination of ineligibility for active duty.' Numerous rappers are ‘complaining of mental illness’. On the other hand, SHINee's Taemin, who suffered from depression for a considerable period of time, received applause for his 'active duty service'.

Rappers who received attention for their strong lyrics and high self-esteem behavior. The appearance of becoming smaller just before enlistment is causing disharmony. The sarcasm of “Do you have to do social work again?” is not without reason.

Reporter Junho Yoon, Ten Asia delo410@tenasia.co.kr