Lee Jin Hyuk, a former member of the K-pop group UP10TION, has been granted a military service exemption due to a congenital heart condition.

According to Xports News on November 27, Lee Jin Hyuk received the exemption after being diagnosed with a heart valve issue that required ongoing medical treatment. He underwent surgery in the past, and he continues to receive regular check-ups for his condition.

Lee Jin Hyuk first opened up about his heart disease in a 2019 appearance on the MBC variety show Radio Star. He shared that he underwent surgery shortly after birth, as his heart valve wasn’t functioning properly. He recalled, “I didn’t think much of the heart condition, but when I joined the company to become an idol, I noticed a significant drop in my stamina.”

Over time, Lee Jin Hyuk’s heart condition improved, and his doctor expressed surprise at how the singer had managed to overcome the illness through his efforts, stating that such a recovery is rare, though not entirely unique. He also revealed that he still undergoes regular health check-ups.

Born in 1996, Lee Jin Hyuk debuted with the group UP10TION in 2015, releasing the EP 一級秘密 (First-Class Secret). After participating in Produce X 101 in 2019, he paused his group activities to pursue a solo career, releasing the EP S.O.L later that year. In 2020, he expanded his career into acting with a role in the drama Find Me in Your Memory and has since appeared in Don’t Forget Your Mental Rope, Check Out the Event, Why Her, and Frankly Speaking.