Kang Deuk-gu Demands Clarity: The Ongoing Controversy Over Joo Jin-woo’s Military Exemption and Chronic Hepatitis Claims

Joo Jin-woo’s Military Exemption: Why Is It a Big Deal in Korea?

Did you know that in South Korea, military service is a huge rite of passage for men? Any hint of unfair exemption is a lightning rod for controversy. Joo Jin-woo, a member of the People Power Party, is now at the center of a storm after Democratic Party lawmaker Kang Deuk-gu publicly questioned the legitimacy of Joo’s military exemption. The issue? Joo claims he’s suffered from chronic hepatitis B since high school, which led to his exemption. But Kang and many netizens aren’t buying the story, especially given the timeline of Joo’s medical records and his professional trajectory.
People are asking: If Joo really had chronic hepatitis, how did he pass his first military physical in 1994 with a Grade 3 (fit for active duty), only to be exempted five months later? The suspicion is that something doesn’t add up—either with the virus, the records, or the system itself.

The Timeline: 5 Months That Shook Public Trust

Let’s break down the timeline. In October 1994, Joo Jin-woo underwent his first conscription physical and was classified as Grade 3, meaning he was healthy enough for active service. But by March 1995, after a re-examination, he was suddenly diagnosed with hepatitis B and received a Grade 5, which is a de facto exemption. According to the military’s medical rules at the time, only chronic hepatitis (lasting over 12 months with consistent abnormal liver function or biopsy confirmation) could justify exemption. Acute hepatitis? Not a chance.
This five-month gap has become the focal point of political and public scrutiny. Kang Deuk-gu and others are demanding to know what happened in those months. Was there a rapid and unusual progression of the disease, or was there a manipulation of records? The ambiguity is fueling suspicions of preferential treatment or even outright fraud.

Community Reactions: Netizens, Blogs, and the ‘Alien’ Meme

Korean online communities are buzzing with skepticism and sarcasm. On DC Inside and FM Korea, users mockingly ask if Joo is an ‘alien’ because, as one post puts it, ‘How can someone with chronic hepatitis drink alcohol and work as a prosecutor?’ Nate Pann and Daum forums are filled with calls for transparency, while Instiz and PGR21 highlight the inconsistency between Joo’s claims and his lifestyle.
Representative comments include: ‘If he’s been sick for 32 years, how did he become a prosecutor and now a lawmaker?’ and ‘Release the full medical records!’ Some even joke that Joo must have a ‘special virus’ that only acts up during military exams. The tone is a mix of disbelief, cynicism, and a demand for accountability.

Media Coverage: Six Major News Outlets Weigh In

Recent articles from MBC, Hankyoreh, Daum, Pressian, WeMakeNews, and Hankyung Magazine have all covered the controversy in detail. MBC and Hankyoreh both highlight the contradiction between Joo’s initial fitness for service and the sudden exemption. Pressian and Daum focus on Kang Deuk-gu’s press conference, where he demanded that Joo stop dodging questions and present clear evidence. WeMakeNews and Hankyung Magazine amplify the public’s frustration, especially regarding rumors of Joo’s drinking habits, which seem incompatible with a chronic hepatitis diagnosis.
Across these outlets, the consensus is that the public deserves full disclosure of Joo’s medical and examination records. The story has also spread to YouTube and Tistory, where bloggers dissect the timeline and medical standards, further fueling debate.

Blogosphere: Naver and Tistory Voices Add Fuel

Naver and Tistory bloggers are digging deep into the regulations and medical background. Several posts explain that, under 1995 rules, only chronic hepatitis with clear evidence could result in exemption. Acute hepatitis meant only a temporary deferment, not a full exemption. Bloggers also point out that Joo’s professional life—passing the bar, working as a prosecutor, and now serving as a lawmaker—doesn’t fit the profile of someone with a debilitating chronic illness.
Some posts go further, speculating about possible abuse of the system, while others demand that all politicians be held to the same standard of transparency. The blogosphere is united in its call for Joo to release his full medical records and for the military to clarify its evaluation process.

Political and Cultural Context: Why This Matters to Koreans

For international readers, it’s important to understand why military service is such a sensitive topic in Korea. Exemptions are rare and closely scrutinized, especially for public figures. Any suspicion of unfairness can quickly escalate into a national scandal. The Joo Jin-woo case touches on deep-seated issues of trust, fairness, and the integrity of public institutions. It also reflects broader anxieties about privilege and accountability in Korean society.
Over the years, several high-profile figures have faced backlash over military exemptions, and each case has left a mark on the public psyche. The Joo controversy is the latest chapter in this ongoing saga, and it’s rekindling old debates about who gets to serve—and who gets a pass.

What’s Next? Demands for Transparency and Systemic Reform

As of June 2025, the controversy is far from over. Kang Deuk-gu and the Democratic Party are doubling down on their demands for a full disclosure of Joo’s medical and examination records. Meanwhile, Joo maintains that he followed all legal procedures and continues to receive treatment for hepatitis B. The public, however, remains unconvinced.
Calls for systemic reform are growing louder. Many are urging the government to tighten oversight of military medical exemptions and to ensure that all cases are subject to rigorous, transparent review. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how such controversies are handled in the future.

Cultural Insights: What International Fans Should Know

If you’re following Korean politics or pop culture, this story is a classic example of how personal history and public trust intersect in Korea. The military service issue isn’t just about health—it’s about fairness, equality, and the responsibilities of public figures. The intense scrutiny Joo Jin-woo faces is a reflection of Korea’s collective memory of past scandals and its high expectations for integrity.
For international fans, this is a chance to see how Korean society negotiates the balance between individual circumstances and societal expectations. The Joo Jin-woo controversy is more than a political spat—it’s a window into the values and anxieties that shape modern Korea.