After the whole celebrity recruit controversy and the unit being abolished, it was reported earlier this month that Sangchu was found to be not carrying out duties, but staying at the military hospital for a 6 month period. As he didn't seem to be in a dire condition by just looking at him, many found it strange that he would be allowed to be admitted to hospital stay for so long, once again raising questions about special treatment in the military for his celebrity status. The military had denied the claims and stated that Sangchu was being given same treatment as ordinary soldiers.
To follow up, the Ministry of Defense belated revealed today that Sangchu was discharged earlier this month already. They revealed that Sangchu had reported pain in his shoulder and ankle, and underwent surgery for his shoulder last October and for his ankle back in January.
A Ministry of Defense rep told Star News, "Corporal Lee Sang Chul [Sangchu] has already returned to his military service... He is currently carrying out all of his training as normal... Because of the severity of both surgeries, he needed time to recover and he received physical therapy at the hospital... Although he was initially planned to be released from the hospital at the end of March, his battalion went out to undergo training so his return date was moved to early April."
His agency rep also denied rumors of special treatment, stating, "It was a treatment according to the reasonable medical examination results... It was to the level that he could request an early discharge from military service but he is determined to serve his full time until his discharge."
Sangchu enlisted back in October 30, 2012 and will be discharged this August.
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