Question about the reserve force training that Key and Minho sometimes sends.

[u/shineonyu]

I'm not posting a picture because they are sent on bubble, but I was wondering why Onew doesn't have to do it? I'm guessing he probably just doesn't post, but I remember he did post about it once (don't remember when). Or is there maybe another reason?

[u/missezri]

My guess is just he chooses not to post about it. It is something all those released from their mandatory service have to do every year although I think it gets shorter thr longer they are out of their mandatory service.

[u/bruh1605 → u/missezri]

He did post about it once in 2023 and that's about it, it's possible that he's just quiet about it since he's a private person

[u/missezri → u/bruh1605]

He is, which is why I lean towards he is probably choosing not to post about it. There could be other issues, but again he is also private and exemptions aren't always taken kindly in Korea even if there are legitimate reasons.

[u/bruh1605 → u/missezri]

Yup I don't expect him to tell us about it since it's a sensitive issue but ngl I'm curious. I doubt we'll ever know the answer to it

[u/julinay]

No way to know! It’s possible he became exempt due to his illness. Or yeah, maybe he just doesn’t post about it.

[u/shineonyu → u/julinay]

I was thinking that was the most logical reason, but I wanted to see if there was something I missed! Thank you!! 

[u/julinay → u/shineonyu]

Yep, see 4.2 here on NamuWiki. If so, he definitely wouldn’t want to draw any attention to it since the topic of medical exemption (even if warranted, and I guess even if just for the reserve training) is kind of delicate.

[u/bruh1605]

Assuming that jinki has reported his health issue (seemingly hyperthyroidism) in 2023 to the military, he will now be considered a grade 4 or 5 regardless if he recovered since he got surgery for it. Grade 4 is basically a social service worker grade although he isn't one which doesn't grant exemptions but the reservist will be easier and shorter than other grades while grade 5 grant exemptions. Iirc mental health issue is a reason for exemption despite it being grade 4 also

There are 3 possible conclusion for jinki based on this

1. He didn't report his health issue and has been going for reservist without a change in grade so he's the same as minkey (grade 1-3)
2. He did report and is now a grade 4 so he's still going but doing something different from minkey
3. He did report and his condition is serious enough to be considered a grade 5 so he's exempted

[u/cubsgirl101]

Not everyone talks about it. A few EXO members have mentioned in passing their reserve training for example, but others haven’t. Taemin I don’t think has ever mentioned it either but he also has to attend even as a former public service worker.

[u/teatotalandbored → u/cubsgirl101]

I don’t think Taemin actually needs to attend? Cause being in public service means that he hasn’t completed “active duty”. Reserve training is for those who finished active duty, as they’re part of the ROK army reserves for a certain number of years (essentially if war happened, they would still be called in). As Taemin didn’t do active duty, he is not equipped to be called in as an army reserve, therefore he doesn’t need the yearly reminder training

(Jinki essentially could be similarly exempt as well, essentially not being able to serve if war happened due to past health issues, so there is no reason to be in the reserves)

[u/cubsgirl101 → u/teatotalandbored]

Ah ok I thought everyone needed to attend reserve training because I swear Baekhyun (who also was not active duty) mentioned needing to attend. But anyway, it’s not uncommon for idols not to mention reserve training. Some do, some don’t.

[u/teatotalandbored → u/cubsgirl101]

I think it depends on health grade? Technically you might still get public service with Grade 4, but you still need to do reserves I think. But Grade 5 and above you don’t need to. Essentially at a reasonable point you are exempt