EXO's Baekhyun Announces Enlistment Date + To Enlist As Public Service Worker Due To Health Issues

Updated April 3 KST:

After it was confirmed that EXO’s Baekhyun would be enlisting as a public service worker, it was revealed that this was due to long-term health issues.

Dispatch reported that Baekhyun had received a Grade-4 due to his hypothyroidism, according to the Military Manpower Administration’s revised physical examination. Grades 1-3 are qualified for active service.

Baekhyun submitted to military officials a medical certificate along with records of the past year of treatment. Grade-4 is the lowest grade that he could have received for his health condition. A source from the Military Manpower Administration stated that hypothyroidism usually receives Grade-3, but proof of medication taken for over six months can result in a Grade-4.

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland underproduces key hormones and results in a slower metabolism, fatigue, weight gain, intolerance to cold, swelling, and more. Dispatch reported that Baekhyun had been suffering from this condition for a long time, having first learned of it in high school, and that he managed it through medication and frequent blood tests.

Baekhyun will be enlisting on May 6. He will enlist as a public service worker after three weeks of basic training.

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Original Article: 

EXO’s Baekhyun will be enlisting in the military next month.

In an Instagram Live broadcast before his solo comeback, Baekhyun shared with fans the news that the end of March had been the final date at which he could defer his enlistment.

On April 2, Baekhyun himself, as well as SM Entertainment, confirmed that Baekhyun will be enlisting in the military on May 6. May 6 is also Baekhyun’s 29th birthday (international age).

On the fan community app LYSN, Baekhyun wrote, “It’s cloudy today, so I wanted to share some good news, but there’s something I need to tell you first! I’ve received my notice of enlistment for May 6! This isn’t a permanent separation, so instead of endlessly waiting for me and missing me and being sad during the brief time that we’re apart, I’m going to try various methods for us to feel like we’re spending time together, even if it’s in a different form! I’m going to work harder and prepare lots of things! I know how hard it is to wait, so instead of asking you to wait, I want to tell you that I love you! I love you!”

SM Entertainment stated, “Baekhyun will be enlisting on May 6. The time and location of his enlistment will be private and there will be no special events.”

After his enlistment on May 6, Baekhyun will undergo three weeks of basic training and then complete his military service as a public service worker.

Baekhyun is the sixth member of EXO to enlist after D.O., Xiumin, Suho, Chen, and Chanyeol.

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