Park Seo-jin Exempted from Military Service Due to Mental Health Issues

Trot singer Park Seo-jin has been exempted from fulfilling his military service obligations.

According to a report by TenAsia on the 28th, Park Seo-jin, born in 1995, received an exemption from military service due to mental health issues stemming from family circumstances. It is known that he received this exemption in his early 20s.

Park Seo-jin has a painful memory of losing his older brother on the day of his younger brother's 49th memorial service. His older brother, who was battling liver cancer, passed away due to complications from a liver transplant. In a past broadcast, Park Seo-jin shared, "It still feels like my brothers are alive and will come back. Even when my older brother was barely conscious after surgery, he recognized me as 'my brother Park Hyo-bin.'"

Additionally, Park Seo-jin's father raised three sons alone for seven years after a divorce before remarrying Park Seo-jin's mother, who had also experienced the pain of divorce. Park Seo-jin and his siblings were born after this remarriage. Park Seo-jin revealed that he only learned about his parents being a remarried couple after his brothers passed away.

Due to these family circumstances, Park Seo-jin has struggled with mental health issues for a long time. He has shown symptoms of depression and insomnia, which ultimately led to his exemption from military service in his early 20s.

Meanwhile, Park Seo-jin has gained recognition through appearances on shows like 'Mr. Trot 2,' 'Immortal Songs: Singing the Legend,' and 'I Am a Trot Singer.' Known for his unique image of singing while playing the janggu, a traditional Korean drum, he has set himself apart from other singers. Since January, he has been a regular cast member on KBS2's 'Men Who Do Housework 2,' where he shares his daily life and family stories. He is also set to join MBN's 'The King of Mask Singer 2' as a hidden card participant.

Reporter Ryu Ye-ji, TenAsia ryuperstar@tenasia.co.kr