By Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff reporter
Singer
MC Mong, 31, is suspected of having dodged mandatory military service by intentionally having healthy teeth extracted.
Police said they have been conducting an investigation of the singer following an allegation that he illegally avoided military service.
According to the police, the singer had removed some 10 teeth, mostly molars, and was exempted from compulsory military service in 2004 due to dental problems.
"We had planned to summon him Thursday, but he requested time to consult with his lawyers", a police officer said. "We will question him next week to hear explanations on why he had so many of his teeth pulled out".
MCMong, whose real name is Shin Dong-hyun, is a popular singer and actor currently appearing on KBS's variety show "1 Night 2 Days" on Sundays.
Police finished an inquiry into the dentist who took care of his teeth.
They also asked for experts' opinions on the dental X-rays, but could not definitely conclude whether it was for medical purposes or not.
However, IS Entermedia, the singer's agency, immediately refuted the allegation of dodging military service.
"He was exempted from military service because of his dental problems, but there was nothing illegal about it. His exemption from military service is legitimate", it said in a press release.
The agency's judicial team said they will clear up the allegations during police questioning and consider taking legal action against the local broadcasting station that first reported the news.
MC Mong made his debut in 1998 as a member of the hip hop band People Crew and gained popularity after starring in the hit sitcom series "Non-Stop 4" in 2003.
The following year, he released first solo single "180 Degrees". He also collaborated with other singers such as Park Hyo Shin, Ivy, and
MayBee. His latest album "Humanimal" was released in July 2009.
MC몽 병역비리 조사 받아
가수 MC몽( 31)이 고의로 이를 뽑아 군대를 면제 받았다는 혐의로 조사 받는 중이다.
경찰에 따르면, MC몽은 어금니 등10여개 이를 뽑았으며 2004년 치아 기능 미달 판정으로 군 면제를 받았다.
KBS 1박2일에 출연중인 MC몽은 목요일 소환될 예정이었으나 변호사와 상의할 시간이 필요하다며 출두를 연기했다. 경찰은 이미 MC몽을 진료한 치과의사의 조사를 끝냈고 전문가들에게 x-레이 사진을 보여주었지만 아직 병 때문에 뺏는지는 분간이 안 되는 것으로 알려졌다.
엠씨몽 소속사 측은 즉각 불법으로 그런 것이 아니라며 혐의를 부인했고 경찰 조사에서 무죄를 밝혀 이 일을 처음으로 뉴스에 낸 지역 방송을 소송할 생각이라고 밝혔다.
