Following news of SEVENTEEN S.Coups' military exemption, other fandoms raised their brows due to the initial announcement made by its company.

On March 1, Pledis Entertainment, an affiliate company of HYBE, confirmed that S.Coups will no longer serve in the military following his physical injuries.

While CARATs (fans) showed concerns about the idol and how bad his injury is for the military to exempt him, other fandoms like ARMYs (BTS fans) weren't pleased.

Pledis Releases Statement on SEVENTEEN S.Coups' Military Exemption

According to the report, the group's leader S.Coups was diagnosed with grade 5 after a physical examination of his knee injury in August 2023.

At the same time, S.Coups announced a temporary break from his group activities last year to focus on his rehabilitation and treatment after undergoing surgery.

In particular, the star underwent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Due to its intensity, the army permitted him to skip his supposedly 18 to 21 months of service.

ALSO READ: SEVENTEEN S Coups Exempted from Military Service for THIS Reason

Regarding the concerns that means that he won't be able to perform in SEVENTEEN moving forward, the agency affirmed to fans that S.Coups' injury has improved as a result of constant treatment and enough rest, adding:

"We received a medical opinion that it is okay to carry out the scheduled activities as long as it does not put a strain on the body."

S.Coups' Return to SEVENTEEN in March Earns Backlash

Aside from the military exemption, Pledis also announced S.Coups' return to his group activities, starting with his participation in SEVENTEEN's solo concert at the end of March in Incheon, Korea and his comeback in April.

However, the company clarified that in some schedules, participation in performances, etc. may be limited as the member is still recuperating.

While this is good news for CARATs, there was a fierce debate in the online community over the comeback of S.Coups, who was exempted from the military due to serious injuries that make it difficult for him to serve even in an alternative station.

ARMYs particularly questioned this, who initially raised a petition to exempt the members from their military services for bringing national achievements and honor to the country. They also mentioned BTS Suga, who also suffered from a serious injury before his enlistment.

They find it hard to sympathize with S.Coups, especially since Pledis immediately brought the news of his comeback. ARMYs raised brows as to why he can't do office or social work when he still has the strength to attend a 2-day concert and prepare for a new album.

They left comments such as:

• "Does it make sense to make a comeback right after being exempted from military service?"
• "No matter how much you are exempted from military service, it would not be good to see you if you come back dancing and performing as if nothing happened."
• "Wouldn't it be better to take a break and concentrate on rehabilitation?"

Regardless of this, fans cheered for the idol and said:

• "Are you guys seriously stupid? They said it's okay to dance without putting a big strain on his body."
• "The company will take care of him, so you guys don't have to worry."
• "It will be possible to make a comeback because he has been taking care of his body during his hiatus from SEVENTEEN's activities."

READ MORE: SEVENTEEN S Coups Suffers Devastating Injury: Torn ACL Shakes Emotional CARATS

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Written by Eunice Dawson.