Baekho is facing controversy over his delayed military enlistment as 2025 marks his final year to fulfill mandatory service.
Born in July 1995, the former NU’EST member and soloist turns 30 this year—the legal deadline for enlistment under South Korean law. Yet, there has been no official announcement about his enlistment status.
A viral post sparked debate, pointing out that most male idols born in 1995 have already enlisted or are serving now. Netizens are questioning why Baekho hasn’t followed suit.
Speculation is rampant that Baekho might be serving public service duty, an alternative to active duty for those with medical or personal exemptions. Others doubt this, noting idols often appear physically fit with intense choreography but still claim health issues to delay enlistment.
Fans and netizens are divided, with suspicions about fairness and transparency in celebrity military duties growing louder.
“People really need to start looking into how idols end up doing public service instead. They’re totally fine singing, dancing, and flying around on stage, but suddenly claim to be sick and go the public service route????? He’s probably doing public service too, or trying to get exempted with that big build of his?”
— Netizen comment
“I’m curious too. He looks so strong and healthy.”
— Netizen comment
“Funny how they work out like crazy at the gym, but when it comes to the military, they suddenly get sick lol.”
— Netizen comment
“If all his peers have already enlisted and he hasn’t, he’s 100% waiting to be assigned to public service. Then after a long wait, he’ll end up getting exempted.”
— Netizen comment
“If he was born in ’95, this year’s the deadline. If he doesn’t go this year, he’s basically exempt.”
— Netizen comment
No official statement has been made by Baekho or his agency regarding his enlistment or exemption status as of now. The controversy continues gaining traction online.
