Following rumors that FTISLAND’s Minhwan might be exempt from military service due to having three children, the Military Manpower Administration has responded.

Minhwan and former LABOUM member Yulhee welcomed their first child Jae Yul in May 2018 and got married in October of the same year. They’ve been showing their family life on the reality show “Mr. House Husbands,” and they recently shared the news that they’re expecting twins. Following this announcement, a rumor spread that Minhwan could be exempt from military service because he is a father of three.

News outlet TV Report spoke to a source from the Military Manpower Administration about this rumor and found that he is not eligible for exemption based solely on having three children.

The source told TV Report, “It’s not true that someone receives a military exemption just because they have many children.” They clarified that in addition to the number of dependents, the person has to also meet criteria regarding their wealth and their monthly income.

According to the criteria announced in December of last year, a person is eligible for military exemption if their family has no one else able to support them and they also have at least one dependant. In addition, their wealth must be less than 68.6 million won (approximately $56,458) and income per month for a four-member family must be less than 1,845,414 won (approximately $1,520). TV Report explains that while Minhwan would not be able to receive an income for the 21 months after he enlists beyond his monthly military salary, if his family is able to work and make money, then he would not be exempt from service.

Minhwan could apply to fulfill his military service by serving as a full-time reservist. After these reservists complete their basic military training as an active duty soldier, they then serve by working in fields such as homeland defense with day jobs that allow them to commute from home each day. Anyone with children, regardless of their marriage status, and anyone who is married is able to apply for this.

The Military Manpower Administration source stated, “Regardless of the number of children, a married person can be considered for selection as a full-time reservist. If that is what they want, they can apply for it. We accept applications for it up until the date of their enlistment.”

TV Report states that as Minhwan was born in 1992, he has until next year to enlist. A source from FNC Entertainment stated, “Other than Lee Hong Ki who’s planning to enlist on September 30, the remaining FTISLAND members have not received their enlistment notices.” They added, “They plan to earnestly serve in the military once the time is decided.”

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