Bon Appetit Your Majesty's Lee Joo Ahn Is Exempt From Military Service Because Of THIS Personal Reason

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Bon Appétit, Your Majesty has won over audiences as it sits among the top 10 list of most-watched non-English shows. The cast, including leads Im Yoona and Lee Chae-Min, are basking in its success after the show ended on September 28. Actor Lee Joo Ahn, who plays Gong Gil in the K-drama discussed the success of the show and also revealed the reason why he's exempt from the mandatory military service.

Lee Joo Ahn reveals personal reason behind his military exemption

In a new interview with SPOTV News on October 1, Lee shared the emotional reason why he did not enter the military service in South Korea. As per a report in Allkpop, he revealed, "I was actually exempt. When I was 22, I donated part of my liver to my mother. Because of that, I was deemed exempt from service.”Around 70 per cent of his liver was removed for the transplant. The actor said, “My mother had long struggled with liver problems, but one day I was suddenly told that she had fallen unconscious due to cirrhosis. I rushed to the hospital and learned that an emergency transplant was the only option. I gave my consent and underwent surgery.” ALSO READ: Bon Appetit Your Majesty Season 2 Happening? Yoona REACTS To Open-Ending, Sequel Demand - 'If Story Continues...'The 30-year-old actor is known for his roles on shows such as Save Me 2, Sweet Munchies and True Beauty. On Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, he plays the court jester who is secretly working for King Lee Heon (Lee Chae-min). His character is instrumental in the show as he saves chef Yeon Ji Young (YoonA) from the rebels in the finale with his fighting skills. Lee also stated that his mother is now recovered and very proud of her son's success. He said, “Right now, I just feel happy. She can finally say to others, ‘My son is an actor.’ Hearing that people recognize me as Gong Gil makes her feel at ease, even from afar.”The actor also thanked viewers for making the show a hit, "It’s all thanks to those who enjoyed watching the show. I’m truly thankful to everyone. I’ll continue to work hard and greet audiences again with many good projects.”