Earlier this day it was reported that Big Bang's T.O.P is suspected of receiving special treatment during his military service. The news turned out to be incorrect.

On March 19, MBC’s “Newsdesk” had reported that the calendar of T.O.P’s work days showed that he took off more days as sick leave than his peers and that there was no document stating his diagnosis.

In response, a source from the Yongsan District Office clarified, “In the case of a public service worker requesting for sick leave and also wanting to take four consecutive weekdays off, he is required to submit a document of the doctor’s official diagnosis.

However, T.O.P has never taken four consecutive weekdays off. He did not need to submit the document because the four days he took off included the weekend.”

The source continued, “However, if a worker wants to take three or less weekdays off as sick days, he has to submit the confirmation of treatment, prescription, and a doctor’s note. In addition, if he received treatment but his conditionsunfortunately did not improve, and he has to take sick days off without going to the hospital, it’s possible to take sick leave if he gets permission from the head of the department.” 

In Korea, a doctor’s note contains only a medical opinion, and it is different from requesting a document of the doctor’s official diagnosis.

The source added, “After checking T.O.P’s dates of sick leave, we found that he submitted all the required documents that prove [the validity of his reasons for taking sick leave]. Furthermore, he is granted 30 days of sick leave until he is discharged from his service, and young men with health issues work as public service workers for a reason.”