SEVENTEEN’s agency, PLEDIS Entertainment, confirmed on March 1 that the group's leader, S.Coups, has been granted exemption from military service. This exemption comes in the wake of a knee injury he sustained last year, which has necessitated extensive medical attention and rehabilitation.
In an official statement released by PLEDIS Entertainment, it was revealed that, “Due to a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee joint, S.Coups underwent anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery and anterolateral ligament reconstruction surgery. Because it was a major surgery, he has been undergoing physical rehabilitation therapy for a long time, starting from last year up until now”, as quoted by Soompi.
“As a result, he was classified as Grade 5”, the statement explained. In accordance with South Korea's conscription system, individuals categorized as Grade 5 are exempt from compulsory military service during peacetime. However, in the event of a national crisis or war, they are still obliged to contribute through alternative means such as civilian support roles.
Amidst the anticipation surrounding SEVENTEEN's potential comeback, PLEDIS Entertainment addressed circulating rumors by asserting, "We will make an official announcement regarding [SEVENTEEN’s] precise comeback schedule at a later date". Notably, the agency also disclosed plans for both S.Coups and Jeonghan to resume group activities this month, with their return at SEVENTEEN’s upcoming encore concert in Incheon.