Exempted from Military Duty After 3 Years: Korean Actor's Surprising News

Actor Na In-woo is exempt from military service.

Actor Na In-woo has recently been exempted from military service after waiting for his call-up as a social service worker. According to Sports Chosun on the 17th, Na In-woo had received a level 4 supplementary service designation after his physical examination and was waiting for military enlistment. However, after not receiving a call-up notice from the Military Manpower Administration (MMA) for three years, he was reclassified as exempt from military service.

According to the Military Service Act, if a person is classified as a level 4 supplementary service and is not called up within three years, they are eligible for exemption. It is reported that more than 10,000 reserve soldiers have received similar treatment. This year, approximately 10,000 people, including Na In-woo and several other celebrities, have been exempted from military service.

The MMA has not provided further details regarding Na In-woo’s exemption. His agency, Hanada Company, confirmed that Na In-woo received the exemption while waiting for his military enlistment and assignment. However, they declined to provide specific reasons for his level 4 classification.

In the past, several entertainers who were classified as level 4 supplementary service have cited reasons like herniated discs, depression, and panic disorder. However, no official explanation has been given regarding why Na In-woo received this classification.

Na In-woo made his entertainment debut in 2013 in the musical "The Bachelor’s Vegetable Shop" and has since built a solid acting career with dramas such as River Where the Moon Rises, Jinx’s Lover, I Have Waited a Long Time for You, and Marry My Husband. Despite his steady rise in acting, military service had always been a burden for him. In June, Na In-woo had to leave 1 Night 2 Days Season 4 due to his military enlistment. However, after confirming his participation in MBC’s drama Motel California, his return to the screen has generated much attention.

Notably, after the success of Marry My Husband, Na In-woo received permission from the MMA to travel abroad for a vacation, demonstrating his adherence to military law. With his recent exemption, he is now free from the pressure of military service.

Na In-woo is currently filming Motel California, which was initially thought to be his final project before enlistment. Now that he has been exempted, he will be able to continue his career freely. Motel California tells the story of a woman who was born and raised in a countryside motel, only to reunite with her first love after running away from her hometown twelve years ago. In this romance drama, Na In-woo will star alongside Lee Se-young. The drama is set to air on January 10, 2025.