Actor Yoo Ah-in talked about an ongoing controversy over his delayed military enlistment due to health problems.

(Yonhap)

At the Thursday press conference for TvN’s new drama “Chicago Typewriter” at Imperial Palace Hotel in southern Seoul, Yoo said he was still waiting for a result for his recent physical checkup for military service and he doesn’t intend to exempt himself from the national duty.

The actor had received several physical examinations to enlist in military since 2015 but was constantly rejected by the Military Manpower Administration due to health problems. Yoo has been accused of making excuses to avoid military service, although he expressed his willingness to serve in the military.

Yoo’s remark came in response to a question as to whether he had any difficulties during filming due to his health.

“It would have been better if the question was more straightforward,” said Yoo as he answered to the question.

“I’m still recovering from the tumor in my right shoulder, and still waiting for a result for my fourth physical checkup from March 15.”

The actor was diagnosed with a bone tumor in 2015 after he ruptured his shoulder muscle while filming an action movie in 2013.

Yoo denied the accusation that he was avoiding military service, asking the public to wait patiently with him for the result from MMA.

“How would I attempt draft dodging when I’m not even at a position to do it at all?” said Yoo.

“Going to the military isn’t something that depends on my decision. I will do my best to quiet the suspicions.”

Yoo will play a main character “Han Se-joo,” a bestseller writer who suffers from writer’s block in the drama. The love story themed fantasy drama is set to air on Friday.

By Hong Dam-young (lotuse@heraldcorp.com)