EXO member Kai‘s “emergency enlistment” announcement last night has raised questions about military service related to the Military Service Act.
A representative from the Military Manpower Administration stated on the 4th of May to Star News, “Those who are about to fulfill their military duties can delay their enlistment date up to five times within a two-year range. Among the reasons for delaying enlistment, ‘other reasons’ can also be applied. Other reasons can be used up to twice and are included in the total five postponement limit.”
Kai’s agency, SM Entertainment, officially announced on the 3rd, “Kai was preparing for EXO’s comeback scheduled for this year, but due to recent changes in the Military Manpower Administration’s regulations, he will enter the Army training center on May 11th and receive basic military training before serving as a social service worker.”
Kai was preparing for the full group comeback album in celebration of their 11th debut anniversary this year. However, both Kai and his fans were thrown into a state of confusion due to the sudden emergency enlistment a week later.
According to the Military Manpower Administration’s explanation of the Military Service Act, Kai has used up both of his “other reasons” postponement for enlistment due to his status as an entertainer, so there was no additional way for him to delay his enlistment.
Fans are now angrier after hearing this from the representative as many slammed SM for their alleged poor planning for Kai’s enlistment.
Meanwhile, Kai decided to keep his enlistment location and time private from the public and will quietly enlist without any special events on the day.
Source: (A)
