[All] [2025 Latest] When will S.Coups begin military service? A complete summary of whether he can be exempted from military service and his current major knee surgery!

When will S.Coups begin military service? A complete look at the truth behind Seventeen leader S.Coups's exemption from military service due to a grade 5 assessment and his left knee anterior cruciate ligament and lateral ligament reconstruction surgery. An easy-to-understand explanation of the range of motion restrictions during his long-term rehabilitation and the latest findings from medical staff, and a prediction of his future return to activities. A must-read guide that also tackles the pros and cons sparked by the Korean fan community and the unfairness of comparisons with other members!

 

 

table of contents   1. The circumstances surrounding S.Coups’ injury and the background to his military service decision 2. Reasons for and procedure for exemption from military service 3. Official announcement regarding return to activities and future schedule 4. Criticism and defense fly among Korean fan communities 5. Impact analysis on S.Coups and SEVENTEEN as a whole 6. Summary: How should S.Coups overcome this situation? 7. Q&A: Answers to frequently asked questions

 

 

1. The circumstances surrounding S.Coups’ injury and the background to his military service decision

 

1.1. The moment the accident occurred

In August 2023, while filming a Seventeen content, leader S.Coups suddenly fell and injured his left knee. Medical staff immediately administered first aid on the set and he was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for an MRI scan. According to witnesses at the scene, S.Coups did not lose consciousness for a moment, but he was crouched down with his face distorted in pain and unable to move.

 

 

1.2. Medical institution diagnosis results

Pledis Entertainment announced immediately after the accident that he had suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee and was diagnosed with needing emergency surgery.

 

▪️ Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: Surgery to reconstruct a torn ACL using tendons from another part of the body or artificial graft material to restore stability to the knee joint.

▪️Anterior lateral ligament reconstruction: Additional surgery to strengthen the lateral supporting structures, providing shock absorption and restoring athletic-level knee function.

 

As a result, S.Coups, who has been forced to undergo long-term rehabilitation since immediately after the accident, will receive a "Level 5" rating in his pre-military physical examination in early 2024.

 

 

1.3. What is a "5th grade judgment" under the Military Service Act?

Under South Korea's military service law, soldiers are classified into seven levels based on the results of their physical examination.

 

▪️1st to 3rd grade: Active duty soldier (compulsory military service)

▪️Level 4: Community service worker (if the illness or disability makes it difficult to continue working, alternative service at local public institutions, etc.)

▪️Grades 5 to 7: Wartime labor (not conscripted in peacetime, engaged in rear support work only during wartime. Grade 5 is classified as "those who have difficulty in daily life")

 

Due to his ACL injury, S.Coups was judged to be in a "condition that makes it difficult for him to carry out daily life" and was given a Grade 5 rating, meaning he is officially exempt from active duty and public service during peacetime.

 

 

 

 

2. Reasons for and procedure for exemption from military service

 

2.1. Contents of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction + anterolateral ligament reconstruction

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the ligaments that plays a major role in the center of the knee joint. In the case of S.Coups:

 

▪️Examination before reconstruction surgery: MRI is used to confirm the extent of the tear in detail and select an appropriate tendon graft (usually an autograft or allograft material).

▪️Reconstruction procedure: Generally, under general anesthesia, the torn ACL is removed using an arthroscope (camera). Instead, a graft tendon is passed through a tunnel made with a bone drill and fixed with metal or biosacru (self-absorbable screw).

▪️Reinforcement of the lateral supporting tissues: If the ACL alone does not provide sufficient stability on the outside of the knee, the anterolateral ligament (ALL) and collateral ligaments are reconstructed at the same time to form a stronger structure.

 

After undergoing these procedures, S.Coups underwent acute care such as icing immediately after the surgery, and continued rehabilitation with a specialized physical therapist for several months. However, as of March 2024, he is still not considered to be "fully cured," and he is still experiencing some limited range of motion and instability as he returns to the sport.

 

 

2.2. Rehabilitation process leading to a grade 5 rating

▪️ Immediately after the accident to one month after surgery: Severe swelling and pain in the knee joint, living with crutches. Only "passive extension" of the knee while lying down is permitted.

▪️2-3 months after surgery: Begin light strength and range of motion exercises under the supervision of a physical therapist, but with minimal weight bearing.

▪️4 to 6 months after surgery: Gradually strengthen the muscles around the knee joint by cycling, walking in water, etc. However, running and jumping are still restricted.

▪️Seven months after surgery: He finally started active training such as jogging and sprinting. However, there have been reports of occasional episodes of him feeling "wobble in his knee," and fans are worried about whether he will be able to fully recover.

 

At this stage, the medical team gave him a grade 5 physical examination. Grade 5 status is considered to be "difficult to live daily life," and in principle, he is exempt from serving in the military or as a community service officer.

 

 

2.3. The difference between "wartime labor" and "social service personnel" under Article 81 of the Military Service Act

▪️Social service personnel (public service personnel): Those who are judged to be "Level 4" in the physical examination. In peacetime, this is synonymous with being exempt from military service, and they perform alternative work at district offices, public facilities, and social welfare-related institutions. The minimum service period is generally about 18 months.

 

▪️Wartime Labor Service (Labor Replacement Service): Those who are judged to be "grade 5," "grade 6," or "grade 7" in a physical examination. They are not conscripted in peacetime, but are obligated to be deployed in "rear support work as labor" in times of national emergency or war. If mobilized, their main duties include warehouse management and supply support at munitions factories and logistics bases.

 

Because S.Coups is classified as "grade 5," he will be required to perform "labor service" in peacetime as well as wartime, but he is currently not considered to have any obligations under the Military Service Act.

 

 

 

 

 

3. Official announcement regarding return to activities and future schedule

 

3.1. Official statement from Pledis

On February 1, 2024, Pledis Entertainment made the following announcement on their official website and social media:

 

Member name	Military Service Status
S.Coups	Exemption
Jeonghan	Enlisted in January 2024
Joshua	Exemption
Jun	Exemption
Star	Scheduled to enlist in the second half of 2025
Wonwoo	Scheduled to enlist in April 2025
Maggot	Scheduled to enlist in the second half of 2025
Mingyu	Planned enlistment (date undecided)
Dogyeom	Planned enlistment (date undecided)
Seungkwan	Planned enlistment (date undecided)
Vernon	Waiting
The8	Exemption
Dino	Planned enlistment (date undecided)

 

"Since August of last year, S.Coups has been undergoing continuous rehabilitation, and medical staff have confirmed that his injury has improved somewhat. Based on the doctor's findings, it has been determined that as long as it is not too strenuous, there will be no problem with him joining schedules from March onwards. Therefore, S.Coups will gradually participate in activities, including the 'FOLLOW AGAIN TO INCHEON' tour in March."

 

The point of this statement is

▪️Emphasis on medical staff's findings that "there is a trend towards recovery"

▪️Declares that he was allowed to participate in activities at a "reasonable level"
This seems to be an attempt to dispel external doubts that "he may be forcing himself to return."

 

 

3.2. Planned return to tour "FOLLOW AGAIN TO INCHEON" in March

 

According to the announcement, S.Coups will return to the group for some performances during Seventeen's nationwide tour "FOLLOW AGAIN TO INCHEON," which will begin in mid-March 2024. Specifically:

 

▪️Live performance: Take part in stage performances with medium tempo songs and less intense dancing.

▪️MC/talk part: Report on current events in front of fans and express gratitude for their support.

▪️Photo time and encore parts: Performances will be conducted in minimal promotional costumes.

 

However, chiropractic trainers and medical staff will be present to support him on stage, and measures will be taken to minimize impact on his walking and knees.

 

 

3.3. Medical certificate from medical staff stating that you are OK to operate

In the official statement, the phrase "based on the findings of medical staff..." appears repeatedly, but it is believed that there is a reason behind this:

 

▪️Submission of a doctor's statement: When S.Coups visited the sports orthopedic department of a university hospital, the doctor in charge issued a medical certificate stating that "with minimal strain, he is able to carry out everyday life and simple stage performances."

▪️Additional information from rehabilitation experts: A physical therapist commented, "As he has passed the knee joint flexion and extension training, there will be no problem with him standing for short periods of time on stage."

▪️ Insurance measures by the agency: In order to avoid legal trouble in the event that the artist was injured again during the performance, it was necessary to clearly emphasize that "permission from a doctor/medical professional has been obtained."

Therefore, S.Coups himself is taking a cautious stance, saying, "I'm in good health, but I won't push myself too hard."

 

 

 

 

4. Criticism and defense fly among Korean fan communities

 

 

4.1. Opinions of those opposed to the idea that "Can they really work when they can't even serve as social service personnel?"

Despite the fact that the physical examination had determined that she would have difficulty living her daily life, the announcement of her "return to activities" was made at the same time, which led to a flurry of criticism in Korean online communities, such as the following:

 

👤 "If even the social service officers can't do it, how can they dance?"

👤 "He'll be labeled for the rest of his life. It's a contradiction to say that 'military exemption = injury' while continuing his idol activities."

👤 "Other men of my generation are told to go to the military even if they have knee injuries. Why are celebrities given special treatment?"

 

In fact, on message boards and social media, the only information spreading is that "S.Coups still has a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee," with some extreme reactions such as "It's impossible for him to dance so vigorously with a knee that hasn't fully healed."

 

 

4.2. The opinion of those in favor: "It's a national decision, so there's no problem"

On the other hand, there are also strong arguments in favor of it, such as:

 

👤 "It's a result determined by the national physical examination, so S.Coups is not to blame."

👤 "There are other celebrities who received the same grade 5 rating, but they are still active today. S.Coups should have been given enough time to undergo treatment."

👤 "I'm happy that we can see SEVENTEEN's performance as a whole because the members' responsibilities are distributed among the group."

 

Citing examples of celebrities who have been exempted from military service in the past (Park Hae-jin, Seo In-guk, etc.), there are many comments such as, "Fans are worrying too much. S.Coups' health is the top priority."

 

 

4.3. Concerns that this case will be compared to past cases of entertainers being exempted from military service

👨Park Hae-jin (2010) When he was exempted from military service due to an eye disease, he was subjected to extreme criticism from internet users and was forced to take a break from show business for a while.

 

👨Seo In-guk (around 2012) ): For health reasons, he was designated a "public service employee," and even after that he was occasionally teased, with people asking, "Is he really okay?"

 

From these cases, it is clear that there is a critical view in Korean society that "military exemption = being spoiled." Ultimately, a transparent explanation is required, such as the release of medical records and footage by experts, to determine whether S.Coups' "Level 5" rating is truly appropriate.

 

 

 

 

5. Impact analysis on S.Coups and SEVENTEEN as a whole

 

5.1. Differences in military service schedules within the group

Of the 13-member group, SEVENTEEN plans for nine members to complete their military service by 2025. The schedules for each member, including S.Coups, are as follows (as of March 2024).

 

 

 

While most of the members are leaving one after another, S.Coups is in a unique position, being given a "Level 5 rating = exemption."

 

Considering the possibility that other members such as Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, and Dino may become community service personnel, SEVENTEEN will continue its activities with several members acting as rear support.

 

 

5.2. Possibility of this being a stepping stone to solo releases or unit activities

 

Since it is still risky for S.Coups, who has been exempted from military service, to fully participate in future main performances, it is rumored that Pledis is considering the following moves:

 

▪️Allocation of unit songs: S.Coups focuses on supporting with rapping and songwriting rather than performance.

▪️Release of solo digital single: Avoiding intense dance parts, the sound source and music video have been changed to take rehabilitation into consideration.

▪️Increased appearances in online fan signing events and behind-the-scenes footage: Maintaining contact with fans in a way that is less physically demanding.

 

This may lead to more attention being paid not only to SEVENTEEN's group activities, but also to each member's solo performances and unit activities.

 

 

5.3. Long-term brand value and risk of losing fans

■ Impact on brand value

Positive side: By "returning to group activities" without having to do military service, he may be viewed favorably by younger fans and overseas fans, who will see him "performing without taking a break."

 

Negative: Criticism of the show's "shirking its obligations" and "fake performance" continues to simmer among conservative viewers in South Korea, which could damage the show's brand image.

 

 

■ Risk of losing fans

Division of domestic fans: The gap between supporters who praise the military exemption and opponents who are outraged and call it unfair is widening, and there is a risk that the fan community will be divided.

 

Increasing reliance on overseas fans: If domestic criticism intensifies, it is likely that Korean promotions will be cut back and they will be forced to shift to a strategy that places more emphasis on overseas activities.

 

In any case, there is a possibility that not only S.Coups personally, but SEVENTEEN as a whole, will enter a new stage as a result of the military service issue.

 

 

 

 

6. Summary: How should S.Coups overcome this situation?

 

✔️Ensuring transparency

 

Medical records and post-operative diagnosis results are made public to fans to eliminate misunderstandings and doubts as much as possible.

The team will enhance his comments on official social media and in interviews, clarifying "why he was exempted" and "the physical and mental care he is taking in preparation for his return."

 

 

✔️ Phased resumption plan

 

Consider creating a set list that avoids intense dance parts as much as possible (e.g., increasing the number of ballads and MC parts).

He regularly undergoes physical therapy and orthopedic surgery, and shares his recovery progress with his fans in real time.

 

 

✔️Multifaceted solo/unit strategies

 

A solo release that makes use of S.Coups's songwriting and composing abilities (emphasizing musicality over dance).

As part of the unit's activities, they are strengthening their online events and radio program appearances, which they are able to do even while injured.

 

 

✔️Fan Community Care

 

Official forums and social media hashtags have been set up where fans both in Korea and abroad can exchange opinions, and the agency will respond to questions and speculations as appropriate.

 

They will be releasing Q&A videos for young fans and a diary of S.Coups' own rehabilitation, in order to bring them closer to each other.

As such, it is essential that S.Coups and SEVENTEEN disclose sufficient information and take gradual steps to turn the risk of military exemption into a positive.

 

 

 

 

7. Q&A: Answers to frequently asked questions

 

Q1. "Isn't S.Coups' knee still not fully healed?"

A. I still have some knee mobility restrictions, but the medical staff has determined that it will not interfere with my daily life or performance. I will have a personal trainer and physical therapist with me after my return.

 

 

Q2. "Isn't exemption from military service a special treatment?"

A. Military exemption is an official decision based on a physical examination. Most of his classmates and civilians with the same injury history are often deemed "unavailable for active duty = treated as social service personnel (grade 4)" after the examination, and if they are given a grade 5 rating, they are considered to be "wartime laborers." As S.Coups is a "grade 5" he is not required to serve in peacetime.

 

 

Q3. "Isn't this unfair compared to the other members?"

A. Mingyu and Dokyeom were given a Grade 4 rating and are likely to be required to serve a certain period of time as community service personnel (public service personnel). Meanwhile, S.Coups was given a Grade 5 rating as medical evidence determined that his injuries were more serious. This is a legitimate rating in accordance with the Military Service Act.

 

 

Q4. "How will this affect SEVENTEEN's future activities?"

A. With nine of the 13 members gradually enlisting in the military, S.Coups is currently in a position where he can continue to participate in activities. However, as he needs to tone down the intense dance parts, we expect him to reconsider song compositions and increase unit and solo activities.

 

 

Q5. "How can fans show their support?"

A. The best thing you can do is send supportive messages online, spread the hashtag on social media, and leave kind comments on channels sharing his rehabilitation status. Please provide positive and constructive support so that S.Coups does not receive any negative criticism.

 

 

This is an article summarizing the latest information on S.Coups' "military exemption," its impact, and the reaction of the Korean fan community. Let's support SEVENTEEN as they break into a new stage while keeping an eye on their future activities and rehabilitation!

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