.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
On December 22, K-media Seoul Shinmun reported that Woozi of SEVENTEEN had been met with an unusual request during his early days of military service. Soon after enlistment, a senior officer reportedly asked the new recruit to help line up a singer for the officer’s wedding.
Following this, Woozi contacted a well-known ballad singer, who performed at the wedding without charge. The Army later clarified that Woozi accepted on his own accord, adding that the request did not violate any military guidelines or service rules.
"After reviewing the situation, we found that it was not an unreasonable order, but rather something done out of Woozi's own personal goodwill. We did not commit any illegal acts or violate any regulations," the Army Training Center explained.Summary of the articles about the issueRecently, Woozi from SEVENTEEN, a 훈련병 (trainee soldier / new recruit), was asked by a superior officer (상사) to arrange a singer for the officer’s wedding.While the military stated there was no coercion, legal experts note that in Korea’s strict hierarchy, such requests can be considered 위력에 의한 강요 (coercion by authority), because a superior’s position can inherently limit a trainee’s free will.This incident sparked discussions among K-netizens, many pointing out how closed military environments put new recruits under unique pressures.Despite the controversy, Woozi is not at any legal risk he acted fully within military regulations and did nothing wrong.On Qoo, the post has reached 60k views with no criticism of Woozi.
The explanation failed to repress online reaction. Many netizens argued the situation reflected a misuse of rank rather than a harmless favor. They pointed to the military’s hierarchy. Questions also surfaced about why Woozi, with no known personal ties to the officer, was placed in that role. Some critics highlighted the lack of payment and stressed that the task involved private benefit, not official duty.
"It's not coercion" this is literally how coercion works. This is abuse of power. Even if he made a request, what made him think woozi's friend would perform for free??? This is what we call 'ragging' in unis," an X user commented."It's not coercion" this is literally how coercion works. This is abuse of power. Even if he made a request, what made him think woozi's friend would perform for free??? This is what we call 'ragging' in unis.
Many are describing the situation as "coercion" stemming from a clear "power imbalance."
Come on, this is coercion, plain and simple. Even if Woozi agreed willingly, the power imbalance is still there. He’s a trainee, and the request came from his superior. Saying no isnt truly an option when that superior can make your life in the military much harder.
what part is it not coercion? this is back when Woozi was just a trainee, meaning he was the bottom of the barrel, he had no choice but to say yes, he could have had his life harder in there if he said no
WTF??!! how can this not be deemed a form of coercion?? the power imbalance is clearly evident, whether woozi wanted to do it willingly or not. the military system is horrible. i hope you're always safe and surrounded by kindness, ji❤️❤️
Others are calling for strict action to be taken against the officer.
The fact that military is not recognising this as coercion is insane when the entire legal community said it is coercion by authority. This entire thing is so scary. strict action should be taken against that officer cause wtf.This is why I will always hate military conscription. I hope woozi is okay 🥺
I'm glad woozi is okay, but if knetz are saying this is a coercion, i believe it is because no one besides them knows how the system works best. Action should be taken against that officer
asking for personal favors from your juniors is considered as coercion, there shouldn't be any debate about it!! I hope someone in the higher position will take some action against that officer
More about SEVENTEEN Woozi's military enlistment
SEVENTEEN members Woozi and Hoshi began their mandatory military service in September, placing their group schedules on hold. Woozi entered active duty on September 15, followed by Hoshi on 16th. Their final official activities were completed shortly before enlistment and included the HOSHI X WOOZI fan concert titled WARNING, along with a Yizhiyu video call fansign tied to the group’s fifth studio album.
With enlistment underway, both artists were absent from SEVENTEEN’s ongoing promotions. However, they remained present through pre-recorded content prepared in advance for fans. Ahead of his enlistment date, Woozi was seen at the SEVENTEEN WORLD TOUR NEW concert held on September 14 at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium in Seo gu Incheon. He appeared among the audience with a shaved haircut, surprising fans attending the show.
SEVENTEEN’s enlistment process began with Jeonghan. He started his service in September last year and is currently working as a public service officer. Wonwoo, enlisted in April, is also serving under the public service category. S.Coups was exempted from active enlistment after undergoing knee ligament reconstruction surgery in 2023. He was classified under fifth-grade wartime labor service. Meanwhile Joshua, of the same same age group, holds Korean American nationality.
Why did you not like this content?
- Clickbait / Misleading
- Factually Incorrect
- Hateful or Abusive
- Baseless Opinion
- Too Many Ads
- Other
Was this article helpful?
Thank You for feedback
Edited by Shreya Jha
English (US)