Popular singer-actor Rowoon, known for his roles in hit K-dramas and as a former member of SF9, has officially postponed his military enlistment following the results of his pre-enlistment physical examination.
What was originally expected to be a routine enlistment on July 21, 2025, has now turned into an unexpected delay after the Military Manpower Administration issued him a Grade 7 re-examination notice, requiring further medical evaluation.
Initial Enlistment Plans and Sudden Delay
On July 17, Rowoon’s agency, FNC Entertainment, released a formal statement to update fans and the public regarding his revised enlistment status.
The actor was slated to begin his mandatory military service as an active-duty soldier, a standard route for healthy South Korean males fulfilling national duty.
However, new procedures introduced this July by the Military Manpower Administration now require all conscripts to undergo a pre-enlistment physical evaluation two weeks prior to enlistment.
During Rowoon’s assessment, he was unexpectedly issued a Grade 7, a classification that typically signals that the conscript is not yet eligible for military service due to uncertain medical conditions or the need for additional tests.
As a result, his enlistment has been delayed indefinitely pending a reassessment, which is currently scheduled for early August 2025.
Rowoon (Credit: YouTube)
Agency Statement Clarifies the Situation
FNC Entertainment provided a candid explanation while respecting Rowoon’s privacy, stating:
“Rowoon was originally scheduled to enlist as an active-duty soldier on July 21. However, starting this July, the Military Manpower Administration has been conducting pre-enlistment physical examinations two weeks prior to enlistment for all conscripts. During this examination, Rowoon received a Grade 7 re-examination notice.”
The agency emphasized that Rowoon has already filed an appeal and is actively working toward a reassessment to clarify his physical eligibility for military duty. They noted:
“He hopes to confirm that there are no issues with fulfilling his mandatory service and to enlist as an active-duty soldier as soon as possible.”
However, FNC also noted that due to the personal and sensitive nature of the medical results, they are unable to disclose specific details regarding the reason behind the re-evaluation, requesting understanding from fans and the public.
What Does a Grade 7 Mean?
In the context of South Korea’s military service system, a Grade 7 result from a physical exam generally indicates that the applicant’s medical condition is unclear or requires further evaluation.
This does not necessarily mean disqualification. It may include issues that are temporary, borderline, or that require a second expert opinion or more tests before a final enlistment grade can be assigned.
The grading system in South Korea ranges from Grade 1 (fit for active duty) to Grade 6 (unfit for service due to serious health issues).
Grade 7 is an interim status, triggering a mandatory re-examination within a few weeks or months.
Based on the result of this reassessment, Rowoon could be cleared for active duty, alternative service, or exempted, depending on the medical findings.
Rowoon’s Commitment to Serve
Despite the delay, both Rowoon and his agency have made it clear that he remains committed to fulfilling his military obligations.
His proactive appeal for reassessment reflects his desire to clear any uncertainty and move forward with enlistment as soon as medically and administratively possible.
This delay comes at a time when Rowoon has been steadily building a strong reputation as both a versatile actor and a solo entertainer, following his departure from SF9 to focus on his acting career.
He has starred in several successful dramas, gaining acclaim for both his visual presence and his growing acting range.
Public Response and Fan Support
News of the enlistment delay has sparked a wave of public curiosity and concern, but fans have largely responded with support and understanding, appreciating the agency’s transparency and Rowoon’s intent to fulfill his duties honorably.
On social media platforms and fan forums, many have left messages encouraging him to prioritize his health, no matter the final outcome of the reassessment.
Fans have also praised his sense of responsibility, noting that his willingness to appeal for reevaluation reflects his commitment to national duty.
What’s Next?
All eyes will now be on the upcoming August reassessment, which will determine Rowoon’s final enlistment grade and ultimately his military path—whether as an active-duty soldier, a reservist, or under an alternative service program.
Until then, his enlistment remains on hold, and further updates are expected once the new evaluation is complete.
FNC Entertainment has promised to keep fans informed of any developments and reiterated that Rowoon’s health and privacy remain a top priority.
As the reassessment approaches, the entertainment industry and his loyal fanbase continue to watch with interest, offering both concern and support for a rising star navigating one of South Korea’s most important civic duties.
The newest Demon Slayer movie, Infinity Castle, has shocked the Japanese movie industry with its record-breaking opening. In just one weekend, the film earned a massive ¥6 billion, which is about $40.6 million in U.S. dollars. This incredible number has officially broken the previous opening weekend record set by Demon Slayer: Mugen Train, which earned ¥4.6 billion during its debut in 2020.
This major success has confirmed once again just how popular Demon Slayer is, not only in Japan but around the world. The excitement for Infinity Castle had been building for months. As soon as tickets went on sale, fans rushed to buy them. Some movie theaters had long lines of people waiting, and many screenings were completely sold out. Some fans even watched the film more than once during the weekend.
The story of Infinity Castle picks up from where the previous seasons of the anime left off. The main characters; Tanjiro Kamado, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke enter a mysterious place called the Infinity Castle. It’s a huge and strange building that constantly shifts and moves. Inside, the Demon Slayer Corps faces off against some of the most powerful demons in existence, including Muzan Kibutsuji, the main villain of the series.
Demon Slayer Franchise (Credits: Ufotable)
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle Breaks Records with ¥6 Billion Opening Weekend
The movie is full of emotional moments, intense action scenes, and powerful music. The animation, once again handled by the famous studio Ufotable, is detailed and visually stunning. Each fight scene is carefully drawn and animated, with bright colors and fast motion that draw viewers in. Fans have said that the movie looks even better than the earlier films and TV episodes.
The success of Infinity Castle is part of a pattern. The Demon Slayer franchise has been breaking records since Mugen Train came out. That movie became the highest-grossing film in Japanese history, beating even Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away. Now, Infinity Castle seems ready to follow the same path.
Critics have also praised Infinity Castle for its strong storytelling and emotional impact. Reviewers noted that the characters have grown a lot since the beginning of the series. Tanjiro is no longer just a kind boy with a sword, he is now a mature and brave warrior fighting for the people he loves. Nezuko, who has always been at the center of the story, also plays an important role, and fans were thrilled to see how far she has come.
Some of the praise also went to the voice actors, who delivered powerful performances during the film’s most emotional scenes. The music, composed by Yuki Kajiura and Go Shiina, added drama and beauty to the movie. From quiet piano notes to intense orchestral tracks, the music helped express the pain, courage, and hope of the characters.
Infinity Castle Surpasses Mugen Train as Highest Opening in Japanese History
In Japan, Infinity Castle isn’t just a popular anime movie, it’s a cultural event. People of all ages, from schoolchildren to adults, are watching the film. Merchandise is flying off the shelves, from action figures and posters to snacks and drinks with character images on them. Some stores even created special Demon Slayer displays to celebrate the film’s release.
Fans outside Japan are also eager to see the movie. Although Infinity Castle hasn’t been released in all countries yet, international fans are already discussing it online. Trailers and clips from the film have been viewed millions of times on YouTube and social media. Many anime lovers are waiting for the global release date to be announced.
Demon Slayer Franchise (Credits: Ufotable)
The creators of Demon Slayer are enjoying the success, but they also understand the responsibility that comes with such a popular series. They know that fans have high expectations, especially after such a big opening. Still, the team behind the anime has shown that they can deliver high-quality work again and again.
Masashi Koizuka, one of the main directors, thanked fans during a recent interview. He said that their passion and support are what make the anime possible. He also mentioned that Infinity Castle was a difficult project because of its complex action scenes and the emotional weight of the story. But seeing how happy the fans are made all the hard work worth it.
Demon Slayer Film Shatters Box Office Expectations with $40.6 Million Debut
With Infinity Castle off to a strong start, it’s clear that Demon Slayer still has a bright future. There are still more chapters left to adapt from the manga, and fans can look forward to more movies or seasons in the future. The journey is far from over.
For now, Infinity Castle is leading the way. Its box office success, strong fan reactions, and beautiful animation prove that Demon Slayer continues to be one of the biggest anime franchises of all time. As more people around the world watch the film, it could even become another worldwide phenomenon, just like Mugen Train was.
You can watch Demon Slayer anime on Crunchyroll .
