Singer Park Seo Jin, widely known for his heartfelt performances, has recently drawn public attention after it was revealed that he received a military service exemption in his early twenties.

According to his agency, Tajo Entertainment, the 1995-born singer was exempted from military service after a health examination by the Military Manpower Administration. The exemption was granted due to severe mental health challenges, which rendered him unfit for regular military duty.

Fans and netizens have expressed understanding following this revelation, as Park had previously opened up about his traumatic family history and mental health struggles on shows such as KBS2’s 'Mr. House Husband 2' and MBC’s 'Radio Star.'

Park Seo Jin’s exemption has reignited interest in his family history, marked by the loss of two brothers and his mother’s battle with cancer.

In an April episode of 'Mr. House Husband 2' Park shared the heartbreaking story of his older brothers. One passed away due to complications from a liver transplant while battling liver cancer, and the other succumbed to chronic kidney failure just 49 days later. Reflecting on his father’s grief, Park said, “It’s the first outing my father and I had since my brothers’ deaths—15 years ago.”

Adding to his hardships, Park’s mother was diagnosed with cervical cancer shortly after the loss of his brothers, further destabilizing the family’s financial and emotional well-being. In a separate episode, he shared his struggles with leaving school early to help his father make ends meet, even working as a fisherman to support the family.

Despite the sympathy garnered from his candid accounts, Park has also faced criticism, with some accusing him of using his family’s struggles for public attention. On 'Radio Star,' he admitted, “Talking about my family has become sensitive. I’ve seen comments saying, ‘He’s exploiting his family’s pain to gain popularity.’”

Netizens have shown mixed reactions to the military exemption news. While some criticize the judgment, others defend Park, stating:

 "Mental illnesses manifest in various ways, including depression and anxiety, and should not be dismissed.”

" Given his circumstances, including supporting his family from a young age, the exemption seems justified.”

" He followed proper procedures and doesn’t deserve criticism.”

Park Seo Jin’s story highlights the complex intersection of personal struggles, public perception, and societal obligations. As the debate continues, it raises questions about how much understanding and compassion we extend to public figures navigating profound personal challenges.