Jang Geun Suk will soon be enlisting in the military!
On July 6th KST, the actor’s label, Tree J Company, revealed the news in an official statement. They also revealed another piece of surprising news to fans— the actor has bipolar disorder.
Rumors recently broke that the actor would be enlisting soon as a public service worker, leading many netizens to question why a seemingly healthy celebrity would not be serving as an active duty soldier. However, it seems that the actor was diagnosed with bipolar disorder back in 2011 and kept his condition private from the public until now.
Mental health conditions, such as bipolar and major depression, is grounds to disqualify someone from serving as an active duty soldier. This is due for numerous reasons, including safety concerns. In fact, this is not just a law among the South Korean military, but it is a common law among other military forces as well, including military branches in the USA.
The actor’s label released a statement that explained his diagnosis, sharing that it was something he had not wanted to reveal before. However, after much thought and conversation, they agreed it was best to reveal the news now. The reason behind their cautious behavior seems to be two-fold. Mental illness is still very much stigmatized in today’s society in Korea. Additionally, the public is quick to criticize celebrities that they feel are getting preferential treatment when it comes to their military service. Therefore, Jang Geun Suk decided to reveal the reason he was found unfit to serve as an active duty soldier, despite it being a personal and private manner.
The label revealed that he has worked hard to “overcome bipolar disorder”¹ and was sorry he did not receive better results in his military examination that determined his status as a public service worker.
As a result, the famous actor will be enlisting on July 16th.
We wish him the best of luck during his service!
Media: As Credited
Source/Company Statement: Nate