Actor Na In-woo, 30, is facing backlash after it was revealed that he was exempted from military service after being classified as a grade 4 supplementary service member following a physical examination and waiting three years. Attention is focused on why Na, who has showcased strong physical abilities and athletic skills on various entertainment programs, received a grade 4 classification.
After it became known that Na In-woo was exempted from military service after being classified as grade 4 following a physical examination, a netizen posted on an online community that a complaint was filed through a public petition, requesting a clear explanation from the Military Manpower Administration regarding the reason for actor Na In-woo's grade 4 supplementary service classification.
The writer noted, "In online communities, questions have long been raised about why Na In-woo, born in '94, has not yet enlisted despite the time being well past for military service," adding, "Typically, active duty enlistment occurs before turning 30 at the latest, or at the latest, by 31. Even for supplementary service, such delays are unusual, so it is natural to have questions."
The writer raised suspicions, saying, "As news of Na In-woo's military exemption spread, the public's questions have intensified."
The writer pointed out, "Na In-woo is tall, nearly 190 cm, with excellent eyesight close to 2.0, and appears to be in perfect health, performing feats like plunging into seawater on variety shows without hesitation," and added, "Furthermore, despite awaiting status as a social service agent for three years as a grade 4 supplementary service member, from 2021 to 2024, he has notably and actively engaged in filming as many as eight dramas (including one scheduled to air in 2025) and variety shows."
Additionally, it was noted, "If he were a descendant of a national merit recipient, the facts would have been known to the public, but this does not seem to be the case. Moreover, he graduated from college, so there is no educational deficiency."
Alongside this, the criteria for the grade 4 classification, as described on the Military Manpower Administration's website, were introduced.
Under the military service law, those classified as grades 1 to 3 enlist in active duty. Grade 4 is classified as supplementary service, but under the revised military service law, from October 2021, if one wants to serve actively, it is possible even with a grade 4 classification.
To receive a grade 4 classification in the military physical examination, educational background should be at or below high school dropout, and weight should correspond to a BMI index of about 14, specifically under 40 kg for a height of 170 cm. Additionally, individuals with parents, spouses, or siblings who are grade 6 or higher military personnel, or those sentenced to probation or imprisonment, may also receive a grade 4 classification.
Therefore, the item most frequently resulting in a grade 4 classification is 'physical abnormalities,' which includes conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, tuberculosis, and mental disorders that, while allowing for social activities, have symptoms and abnormal findings persisting for more than six months.
Na In-woo's agency, Hanada Company, recently stated, "Na In-woo was exempted from military service while waiting to be summoned for social service." However, no mention was made of the reason behind Na's grade 4 classification.
Na In-woo gained attention with tvN's series 'Mr. Queen' and has consistently worked in productions starting with KBS 2TV's 'River Where the Moon Rises.' Additionally, Na has displayed outstanding athletic skills by participating in activities such as diving into seawater on KBS 2TV's '1 Night 2 Days Season 4' (hereafter '1 Night 2 Days') for over two years. In the 'Winter Olympic Special' of '1 Night 2 Days' aired in January this year, Na received bobsleigh training from Kim Sik, a current national team bobsleigh and skeleton coach, who praised Na as "the best."
Na In-woo stepped down from '1 Night 2 Days' in July this year due to military service issues. However, some within the broadcasting industry are reacting, "Was the military issue used in stepping down from the program," given that Na was nearing a military exemption at that time.
Appearing regularly on variety shows aids in raising one's profile, but for drama or film shoots, the fact that a specific day of the week must be kept free has been a burden for actors or their management.
After stepping down from '1 Night 2 Days,' Na In-woo has focused solely on filming the new MBC Friday-Saturday drama 'Motel California.' 'Motel California' is set to premiere its first broadcast in January this year.