Singer Niel (30) has been officially exempted from South Korea’s mandatory military service. After spending three years awaiting enlistment as a public service worker, he was ultimately classified as “wartime labor reserve,” a designation that effectively exempts him from service during peacetime.
In a recent interview ahead of the release of his solo album SHE, Niel shared the news for the first time.
“There haven’t really been opportunities to talk about it with the media,” he said. “Honestly, I was nervous about bringing it up, and it wasn’t easy to talk about. But yes, I received my exemption last July.”
Although the matter touches on private issues like his health, Niel opened up about the circumstances as much as he could. When asked if he was doing better now, he responded candidly, “I think I’ve recovered a lot. There were times when things were really tough, but I’m trying to focus on being happy.”
He added, “That’s why I came back to music—to be happy again. Being on stage, making music—that’s when I feel the most alive. I took a two-year break, and during that time, my thoughts started to get deeper. I realized I just really wanted to feel happy again on stage.”
While waiting for his military status to be finalized, Niel admitted to feeling uncertain about the future. But after receiving confirmation of his exemption last July, he began preparing for his solo comeback SHE, and found himself re-energized by the process.
“I was involved in every step of this album, 100 percent,” he said. “I even joined in on the planning meetings with staff. This time, I really wanted to do things my way. That’s why I’m both excited and nervous about how fans and the public will receive it.”
SHE marks Niel’s first solo release since founding his own label, EL&D Entertainment. The album blends neo-soul and groove-pop influences, offering a heartfelt exploration of love’s complexities and emotional highs.
The six-track project includes the title track “SHE,” as well as “Sapé,” “The Meaning Within Love,” “If You're the Ocean,” and “What’s the Excuse for Love?”—all of which reflect a broader musical spectrum and a more personal artistic voice from Niel as a solo musician.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Kyung-youn)