An incident involving SEVENTEEN’s Woozi has sparked debate about power dynamics and personal boundaries inside South Korea’s military.
On December 22, it was revealed that a sergeant at an Army Training Center asked Woozi (real name Lee Jihoon), to help arrange a singer for his wedding. At the time, Woozi had just enlisted and was still in basic training. He reportedly had no personal relationship with the officer before joining the army.
According to an investigation by Seoul Shinmun, the request was made in September, shortly after Woozi enlisted as a trainee. The sergeant asked the 29-year-old singer to introduce someone who could sing a congratulatory song at his wedding the following month.
In response, Woozi contacted a well-known ballad singer he knew. The singer agreed and performed at the wedding in October. It was confirmed that the performance was done for free and that no compensation was paid.
The army later confirmed that Woozi is now serving in the same training unit as the Sergeant, working as an assistant instructor. However, officials explained that when the request was made, his permanent assignment had not yet been decided.
The Army Training Center said there was no coercion involved. Officials stated that the request was not an official order and that Woozi agreed out of goodwill. After reviewing the situation, the military concluded that the act did not violate regulations or laws.
Many people questioned whether it was appropriate for a superior officer to ask a newly enlisted trainee for such a personal favor. Critics argue that in the military’s strict and closed hierarchy, it is difficult for junior soldiers to refuse requests from superiors, even if they are framed as personal.
Attorney Noh Jong Eon explained that in South Korea’s military system, it can be hard to know whether consent is truly given. The strict hierarchy and culture of obedience can make lower-ranking members feel pressured to comply, even if they are uncomfortable.
He noted that past court cases have recognized this problem. Some experts also believe the incident may go against the Military Service Act, which requires service members to act responsibly and maintain their dignity.
The case has also brought attention back to issues within military culture, especially when it comes to celebrity soldiers. K-pop idols attract a lot of public interest even during their service, and this can make it unclear where normal military rules end and special treatment or expectations begin.
SEVENTEEN, which is celebrating its 10th debut anniversary this year, is considered one of the leading third-generation K-pop groups, alongside BTS and Blackpink. Woozi enlisted on September 15 alongside fellow member Hoshi and is set to return to civilian life on March 14, 2027.
Meanwhile, SEVENTEEN is occupied with group and unit activities as members enlist in the military. SEVENTEEN’s new subunit DK x Seungkwan (DxS) will debut in January 2026 with EP, Serenade. At the same time, SEVENTEEN wrapped their Japan dome tour on December 21 in Fukuoka. The Japan dome tour alone attracted 420k fans and their ongoing world tour, New_, will continue next year.