K-pop star Ravi of VIXX probed over hiring broker to dodge South Korea military service
- The singer is accused of using the services of a middleman, who was recently arrested, to manipulate his health records to evade mandatory conscription
- Prosecutors suspect more entertainers and professional athletes may have been involved in the scandal
According to local media reports on Friday, the Seoul Southern District Prosecutors’ Office examined phone conversations and messages the broker, surnamed Ku, exchanged with his “clients” to give them “consultations” about the illegalities, and Ravi was one of them.
Ku was indicted and arrested in December for receiving tens of millions of won from each of his clients after helping them get manipulated health records with false diagnoses of epilepsy. The Dong-a Ilbo reported the prosecution found Ravi’s health documents in Ku’s mobile phone.
Those in grades 1 to 3 are put on active duty for 18 months, those in grade 4 perform alternative social services at public institutions for 21 months, and those in grades 5 and 6 are exempted from the duty.
Ku, who promoted himself as the “god of the military service” on his website, has allegedly told his clients that he also “helped” a famous rapper and professional athletes avoid active duty.
