Actor Na In Woo, who has been at the center of a heated military exemption controversy, is making his first official public appearance today!

On January 9, Na In Woo is set to attend the press conference for MBC’s new Friday-Saturday drama, Motel California, at the Golden Mouse Hall in Sangam-dong, Seoul. This marks his first major event since news of his military exemption broke, sparking intense public interest in whether he’ll finally address the issue.

Na In Woo recently stirred controversy after it was revealed that he had been exempted from military service. Initially, he received a Grade 4 classification (supplementary service) during his physical examination and was waiting to serve as a social service worker.

However, after three years of waiting without being summoned by the Military Manpower Administration, he became eligible for exemption under the Military Service Act.

According to the law, individuals with a Grade 4 classification who are not called up within three years are automatically exempt. Reports say over 10,000 individuals, including Na In Woo, have received exemptions under this provision since 2019.

Last month, Na In Woo’s agency, Hanada Company, confirmed the news, stating, "Na In Woo received a Grade 4 classification and was waiting for his assignment when he was exempted according to the Military Manpower Administration’s decision. There is nothing further to comment on as this was an administrative decision."

However, the agency did not provide any details about why Na In Woo received a Grade 4 classification in the first place. To add to the speculation, Na In Woo stepped down from the KBS2 variety show 2 Days & 1 Night last June due to enlistment-related concerns, which fueled more questions about his military status.

So far, Na In Woo has not personally addressed the controversy. Fans and the media are eagerly waiting to see if he will break his silence during the press conference. Many are hoping for clarity on the situation, especially regarding the reasons for his Grade 4 classification.

Meanwhile, Motel California is a romantic drama following a woman who grew up in a rural motel and reconnects with her first love 12 years after leaving her hometown. The story promises to bring laughter and tears as the characters navigate love and life while "remodeling" their relationships. Na In Woo plays Chun Yeon Soo, a charming veterinarian who is also the most eligible son-in-law among local farm families.

Stay tuned for updates from the press conference.

Source (1)

Lee Jun Young recently opened up about the emotional toll of playing a villain—and how one powerful scene made him break down in tears behind the scenes.

On the May 1st episode of KBS 2TV’s variety show Problem Child in House, Lee Jun Young appeared alongside co-star Jung Eun Ji to promote their new KBS drama Pump Up the Healthy Love.

During the show, Lee Jun Young was asked about the most unforgettable villain he’s played. He chose his role as Han Su Gang in the film Brave Citizen.

He explained, “It was really tough to film. I had to act like I was leading school violence, and there was even a scene where I bullied a grandmother.”

The hosts were surprised, pointing out how kind and gentle he seems in real life. Lee Jun Young shared how he transforms for such roles.

“I try to act as bad as I can, but sometimes the director says, ‘You still look too nice.’ Then I focus even harder and adjust right away.”

He also revealed that filming one particular scene hit him hard emotionally. “My real grandmother was sick at the time,” he said.

“In one scene, there’s a grandma selling gimbap, and I ad-libbed by stubbing a cigarette out on the gimbap. I was really into character, but after filming, I just broke down. So many thoughts came to me and I started crying.”

Fans praised his dedication to acting but also felt moved by how deeply the role affected him. Lee Jun Young’s honesty gave a raw look at how even fictional roles can hit close to home.

Source: [1]