Military matters stir storm over Rain's love life
Source: AFP |
January 3, 2013, Thursday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
SOUTH Korean pop icon Rain has come under fire after reports revealing his relationship with a TV actress suggested he might be flouting the terms of his compulsory military service.
Rain's relationship with Kim Tae-Hee, a TV drama star with a massive following in Japan, was first reported by a tabloid magazine yesterday, sparking a fan frenzy on entertainment websites and social networks.
The magazine published photos showing Kim, 32, wearing a cap and surgical mask, getting into a car driven by the singer, who is halfway through the two-year military service that is mandatory for South Korean men.
"They are currently getting to know each other with feelings for each other," Kim's agency said in a statement yesterday, confirming that the two had been dating for about a month.
Fan excitement over the match-up between two of the country's most high-profile celebrities was tempered by questions over how - as reported in the magazine - the pair had managed numerous dates over the past four weeks.
During military service, South Korean men are largely confined to barracks and given little free time.
"I don't care whoever Rain dates ... but what kind of soldier gets Christmas holiday, where most guys toil shovelling piles of snow at the frontline units in bitter cold?" said one online commentator.
One of the tabloid's pictures showed Rain, 30, driving a private car in military uniform, contrary to service guidelines.
The defense ministry's website has been bombarded with messages calling for Rain to be disciplined, with more than 3,000 people signing an online petition urging an investigation.
"Rain has to serve twice, just like PSY did," was another online comment, referring to the "Gangnam Style" singer forced to repeat his military service after it emerged he had furthered his showbiz interests during his first stint.
Rain has been serving as an "entertainment soldier" who appears in military-run TV and radio programs aimed at boosting morale.
Rain's relationship with Kim Tae-Hee, a TV drama star with a massive following in Japan, was first reported by a tabloid magazine yesterday, sparking a fan frenzy on entertainment websites and social networks.
The magazine published photos showing Kim, 32, wearing a cap and surgical mask, getting into a car driven by the singer, who is halfway through the two-year military service that is mandatory for South Korean men.
"They are currently getting to know each other with feelings for each other," Kim's agency said in a statement yesterday, confirming that the two had been dating for about a month.
Fan excitement over the match-up between two of the country's most high-profile celebrities was tempered by questions over how - as reported in the magazine - the pair had managed numerous dates over the past four weeks.
During military service, South Korean men are largely confined to barracks and given little free time.
"I don't care whoever Rain dates ... but what kind of soldier gets Christmas holiday, where most guys toil shovelling piles of snow at the frontline units in bitter cold?" said one online commentator.
One of the tabloid's pictures showed Rain, 30, driving a private car in military uniform, contrary to service guidelines.
The defense ministry's website has been bombarded with messages calling for Rain to be disciplined, with more than 3,000 people signing an online petition urging an investigation.
"Rain has to serve twice, just like PSY did," was another online comment, referring to the "Gangnam Style" singer forced to repeat his military service after it emerged he had furthered his showbiz interests during his first stint.
Rain has been serving as an "entertainment soldier" who appears in military-run TV and radio programs aimed at boosting morale.
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