On December 17, an entertainment industry insider told Sports Chosun: “Na In-woo was recently exempted from military service after waiting for his civil service employee to summon him.” Na In-woo, who was classified as Supplementary Government Worker Grade 4 after his physical examination, was waiting to enlist but became exempt as three years passed without receiving a call-up from the Military Manpower Administration (MMA).
According to the Military Service Law, those classified as Grade 4 Additional Workers are exempt from service if they are not called up within three years. Since 2019, more than 10,000 people have been exempted, and an estimated 10,000 more, including several celebrities, have also received exemptions this year.
Na In-woo rose to fame as the lead in “River Where the Moon Rises” and showcased his acting skills through dramas such as “Jinxed at First”, “Longing for You” and “Marry My Husband”. Despite his success, he always carried with him the burden of potential military enlistment. For example, after the success of “Marry My Husband”, Na In-woo strictly adhered to military service regulations by obtaining MMA approval to travel abroad for a reward vacation. Given his impending enlistment, many have speculated that his ongoing “Motel California” project may be his last job before serving, but his recent exemption grants him the freedom to continue his career uninterrupted.
Na In-woo’s next drama, “Motel California”, is a romantic drama that reshapes first love, set in a rural area, about a woman who was born and raised in a motel and reunites with her first love in her hometown from which she ran away 12 years ago. Na In-woo will star alongside actress Lee Se-young.
Meanwhile, attempts to contact Na In-woo’s agency, Hanada Company, for comment regarding his exemption have been unsuccessful, as they do not respond to repeated calls.
