Is Luhan Actually in the Military?
The question that has been on everyone’s mind: is Lu Han, the Chinese singer-songwriter and actor, really a soldier in the People’s Liberation Army (PLA)? The answer to this question is not straightforward, and it has been the subject of much debate and speculation.
Early Career and Military Rumors
Lu Han, born on April 20, 1990, rose to fame in the early 2010s as a member of the South Korean-Chinese boy group EXO-M. After departing from the group in 2014, he pursued a solo music career and began acting in Chinese dramas. Throughout his career, he has been rumored to be serving in the PLA, with some sources claiming he enlisted in 2016.
Official Denials
However, the Chinese authorities have repeatedly denied these claims. In 2015, the PLA’s Public Relations Department issued a statement stating that Lu Han had never been a soldier or received any military training. Similarly, in 2020, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Daily (PLA Daily) quoted an unnamed PLA official, saying that Lu Han was never a PLA soldier.
Lu Han’s Perspective
In a 2020 interview with Chinese news outlet Sina, Lu Han addressed the rumors about his military service. When asked if he was serving in the PLA, he responded, "No, I’m not." He also mentioned that he had never received any military training or served in any military capacity.
Social Media Clues
Lu Han’s social media presence has also been scrutinized for potential clues about his military service. In a now-deleted post from 2016, he shared a photo of himself wearing a PLA uniform and holding a rifle, accompanied by the caption "# PLA soldier". However, this post has been widely interpreted as a joke or a publicity stunt rather than evidence of actual military service.
Key Points to Consider
While the evidence suggests that Lu Han is not a member of the PLA, it’s essential to consider the following points:
• Lu Han’s age: As of 2022, Lu Han is still 32 years old. The standard enlistment period for the PLA is three years, and it is rare for soldiers to continue serving beyond the age of 30.
• Lack of credible evidence: Despite numerous rumors, there is no concrete evidence to support the claim that Lu Han is a member of the PLA.
• Official denials: The PLA and Chinese authorities have consistently denied Lu Han’s alleged military service.
Possible Reasons for Rumors
So, why are rumors about Lu Han’s military service so persistent? Several theories have been proposed:
• National pride: As a prominent Chinese celebrity, Lu Han’s supposed service in the PLA might have been seen as a symbol of national pride and support for the military.
• Marketing strategy: By hinting at or fabricating military service, Lu Han might have been trying to boost his image as a patriotic and strong symbol of Chinese masculinity.
• Misinformation and misunderstanding: The lack of information about Lu Han’s past and the Chinese military culture might have led to rumors and speculation.
Table: Key Points
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Official Denials | PLA Public Relations Department and PLA Daily have denied Lu Han’s military service |
| Lu Han’s Perspective | Lu Han has stated he is not a PLA soldier and never received military training |
| Social Media Clues | A deleted post from 2016 showed Lu Han in a PLA uniform, but it was likely a joke or publicity stunt |
| Key Considerations | Lu Han’s age, lack of credible evidence, and official denials weigh against the rumors |
| Possible Reasons | National pride, marketing strategy, or misinformation and misunderstanding might have fueled the rumors |
Conclusion
In conclusion, based on the available evidence, it appears that Lu Han is not a member of the People’s Liberation Army. While rumors and speculation surrounding his military service are understandable, they are likely driven by a combination of factors, including national pride, marketing strategy, and misinformation. As a renowned Chinese celebrity, Lu Han’s personal life and career remain under scrutiny, but the lack of credible evidence and official denials serve as a reminder to remain cautious when evaluating rumors.
