Reasons Korea’s Top Actor Is Exempt From Military Service

Ahn Hyo Seop is fully exempt from South Korea’s mandatory military service.

The actor, 30 years old, does not have to enlist thanks to his Canadian citizenship. Born in Seoul, Ahn moved to Canada at age 7, lived there for 10 years, and was scouted by JYP Entertainment while in high school.

He returned to Korea at 17 and trained as an idol for three years but switched to acting, debuting in 2015. He rose to fame with hits like Business Proposal and Dr. Romantic Seasons 2 and 3.

His fans expected a military enlistment announcement after his last fan meeting post-A Time Called You. But the news came out that he is exempt from service by law since he holds foreign citizenship.

South Korean law demands all able-bodied men enlist by age 30 unless exempted for health or national achievements.

This military exemption lets Ahn Hyo Seop focus fully on acting roles without the usual 18-month break.

He’s currently starring in K-Pop Demon Hunters, Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy, and the upcoming drama Sold Out Today.

> “Thanks to not having to spend 18 months in the military, Ahn Hyo Seop has been able to further his acting career.”