Yoo Ah In arrives at Burberry AW14 Menswear Show at Kensington Gardens on January 8, 2014 in London, England. (Photo : Getty Images/Ian Gavan)
Actor Yoo Ah In, whose credits include the 2011 coming-of-age film, "Punch," and television shows like "Secret Love Affair" and "Six Flying Dragons," has found himself wrapped up in controversy. The actor is being accused of avoiding mandatory military service after being diagnosed with a tumor.
On Feb. 15, Wednesday, there were reports claiming that the actor had been diagnosed with a tumor. Yoo's agency later confirmed the news in a statement obtained by All Kpop. The agency revealed that the actor has been diagnosed with a bone tumor and it is a sensitive issue for the actor. The agency also added that the tumor was benign and will not affect his daily life, but will delay Yoo's military enlistment with the possibility of the actor receiving an exemption from military service due to his poor health condition.
This is not the first time Yoo's health condition has had an impact on his military enlistment. In 2015, the actor injured his shoulder on the set of the film, "Tough as Iron," and has failed three medical check-ups for military duty since the injury.
Yoo has been vocal about his desire to enlist in the military and fulfill his national duty on several occasions. However, his health problems are preventing the actor from starting his military service. However, netizens are accusing Yoo of using his health as an excuse to be exempted from mandatory military service.
In the wake of the allegations, the actor issued a lengthy statement, obtained by the same publication. In the statement, Yoo stressed that he was not using his health as an excuse to be exempted from military service and expressed his desire to serve in the military.
"I was aware that male celebrities can be misunderstood of using their injury or health condition to avoid military enlistment," he said. "That is why I completed all my schedule as planned and didn't reveal detailed information. It will definitely be possible for me to complete my mandatory service if an abnormal growth of the tumor does not occur."
"My injury and the health condition that is currently creating controversies are my misfortune," he added. "It is not a tool for me to avoid military enlistment."
Yoo concluded his statement by saying that he finds it difficult to come to terms with the fact that he has to ask for forgiveness from others for his bad luck but accepts it as his responsibility because of the public's love and support. Lastly, The actor added that he will try to move on from the controversy and fulfill his duty as a citizen of this country as an individual with the power to influence society.
For more details on Yoo's bone tumor diagnosis, watch the video below:
