It was previously reported that SHINee's Taemin had transferred to public service for his military service due to his deteriorating mental health. His comrades in the army explained the idol's condition through social media.
Since it's not uncommon for South Korean men to try to avoid active duty by pretending to be sick, there may be people who will question the sudden change in their duties despite an official statement from SM Entertainment.
To prevent misunderstandings, the fellow soldiers who personally served with Taemin gave their testimonies. They also showed support for his recovery.
News of his transfer was published on Facebook under the popular news page. In the comments, some soldiers gave their words.
"I'm someone from the same class as him (Taemin) and live in the same place at the Nonsan Training Center. During basic training, he brought a lot of medicine for depression and I remember that every night, he would take his medicine and eat it, ' wrote one soldier.
"Every time that happened, even if he was suffering, he would show us his good side as someone older than us dongsaengs, and would even play with us," he continued.
"I heard that he has suffered from this since before his military service and he is a hyung who always works hard and persists there in every training. I hope people will not criticize him too much," he added.
Another soldier wrote, "I am someone who took the same test as Taemin hyung. We lived together for about two weeks and he has been receiving medication for depression and anxiety attacks every day. But even so, he is still suffering."
"Sleeping pills, sleeping aids, she would take 6 to 8 pills, but every night, she often wakes up after nightmares. So because it didn't seem enough, she received additional medication at night and took it," he continued.
"But even so, he always smiled for his fellow soldiers at the residence who took the same test as him and even advised us. Even though he was sick, he was a good hyung who always cared about others more," added the soldier.
Lastly, when we parted, he told us to keep our chins up and cheer us on like a kind hyung. He also said that he was afraid that if he left, people would suudzon. So since he seems to be in pain, I hope you don't criticize him too much. Thank you," he concluded.
Hopefully, with the testimony of his fellow soldiers, Taemin believes that the public will not suspect him. Fans also wish him a speedy recovery. (wk/chus)
