SHINee’s Taemin to complete military enlistment as public service worker due to depression and anxiety
After initially enlisting as a member of the military band, SHINee’s Taemin will be completing the remainder of his mandatory service as a public service worker due to “worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety.”
SM Entertainment, Taemin’s entertainment agency, revealed that the K-pop star has already been suffering from depression and anxiety before his military enlistment.
Taemin continued to undergo treatment and therapy while completing his military service.
“However, because his symptoms recently worsened, the military determined that it had become impossible for him to continue his military life and treatment at the same time, and he was accordingly transferred to supplementary service,” SM Entertainment’s statement read.
SM Entertainment said they will “continue to focus on Taemin’s treatment” and “ensure he can find stability.”
Updates about the duration of Taemin’s military service haven’t been announced by SM Entertainment, as of this writing.
Taemin initially enlisted as a member of the military band in May 2021. Prior to his enlistment, he released his third mini-album Advice and participated in the production of SHINee’s albums Don’t Call Me and Atlantis.
The K-pop idol is the last SHINee member to enlist in the military. Members Onew, Key, and Minho entered in 2018 and completed their mandatory service in 2020.
Since 1957, South Korean able-bodied males from the ages of 18 to 28 are required to enlist in the military for almost two years. By law, males will undergo medical exemptions and other qualifications prior to enlistment to determine their units.
South Korea’s military service has a few exemptions, including athletes who won in international competitions and severe health issues, among others.
