Seventeen’s Woozi Requested an Inappropriate Favor During Military Enlistment

SEVENTEEN’s Woozi is facing controversy over a personal favor requested by a military superior shortly after he enlisted.

The controversy began when a non-commissioned officer at the Army Training Center reportedly asked Woozi, who had just started his mandatory service as a trainee, to help find a singer for his wedding.

Woozi allegedly reached out to a well-known ballad singer he knew, who performed at the wedding the following month without payment. The two had no known prior personal connection before Woozi enlisted.

Military officials say there was no coercion. They claim Woozi agreed voluntarily and the request was not an official order.

“After reviewing the situation, it was determined that this was not the result of an improper order, but rather something done at Woozi’s personal discretion as a favor. There was no illegal act or violation of regulations.”
— Training Center Official

However, some critics argue personal requests to new trainees are problematic given the strict military hierarchy. It can make refusing superiors’ favors very difficult, even if informally asked.

“There are many court precedents that consider the rigid hierarchy and closed nature of the military, where it is effectively difficult to refuse a superior’s personal request, to be an important factor in judgment.”
— Attorney Noh Jong Eon

The Army also revealed Woozi has been promoted to drill instructor assistant and currently serves in the same training unit as the officer who asked for the favor.