SEVENTEEN’s S.Coups has received an exemption from military service due to a significant knee injury sustained last year. PLEDIS Entertainment officially confirmed this development on March 1, shedding light on the extent of S.Coups’ medical situation.
The agency stated, “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.”
The prolonged rehabilitation process resulted in S.Coups being classified as Grade 5 under South Korea’s conscription system. This classification implies an exemption from mandatory military service during peacetime. However, in the event of a war, individuals in Grade 5 are obligated to contribute through non-combat roles to support the military.
Addressing speculations about SEVENTEEN’s potential April comeback, PLEDIS Entertainment responded, “We will make an official announcement regarding [SEVENTEEN’s] precise comeback schedule later.”
This statement neither confirmed nor denied the rumoured comeback, leaving fans awaiting an official update from the agency.
In addition to S.Coups’ exemption news, PLEDIS Entertainment shared plans for resuming group activities involving both S.Coups and Jeonghan. The agency disclosed that the two members would be rejoining SEVENTEEN for upcoming activities, commencing with the group’s encore concert in Incheon scheduled for this month.
This announcement provides clarity on S.Coups’ exemption status, offering insights into the challenges he faced with his knee injury and subsequent surgeries. SEVENTEEN’s fans, known as Carats, can now anticipate the group’s future activities, especially with the promise of S.Coups and Jeonghan returning to participate in the upcoming events.
The agency’s decision to delay specific details about SEVENTEEN’s comeback further fuels curiosity among fans, building anticipation for the official announcement that will eventually unveil the group’s precise schedule.