Jung Ho-young's Son Diagnosed with 'Intervertebral Disc Herniation' ... "Rated Grade 4 in 2015 and Currently"

MRI Re-examination at Sinchon Severance Hospital on 20-21st
Grade 4 'Intervertebral Disc Herniation Compressing Nerve Roots'
"Please Stop Baseless Suspicions Regarding Military Service Evaluation"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Regarding the military service controversy involving the son of Jeong Ho-young, the nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare, the nominee's confirmation hearing preparation team announced the results of a re-examination confirming that "the previous military service evaluation was correct."

On the 21st, the preparation team stated in a released document, "The son of nominee Jeong underwent a re-examination of past records and current condition at Severance Hospital on the 20th and 21st, and was diagnosed with the same condition as originally recorded in the military service records: 'herniated disc compressing the nerve root.' The son, who is currently attending Kyungpook National University College of Medicine, was initially evaluated as fit for active duty in 2010, but after a re-examination in 2015, his status was changed to a social service agent (Grade 4 supplementary service).

According to the preparation team, the nominee's son underwent an MRI scan on the afternoon of the 20th and outpatient neurosurgery consultation on the 21st at Sinchon Severance Hospital. It was reported that he brought the MRI records and medical details from the military service evaluation on October 27, 2015, for a joint diagnosis.

The nominee's side stated that the diagnosis results from radiology and neurosurgery professors showed the same findings as in 2015. The MRI images taken on the 20th confirmed "degenerative herniated disc on the left side between the 5th lumbar and sacral vertebrae, compressing the left 1st sacral nerve root." The medical records from 2015 noted the condition as "degenerative herniated disc on the left side between the 5th lumbar and sacral vertebrae compressing the left 1st sacral nerve root." The diagnosis also indicated that compared to the 2015 MRI, the current condition had slightly progressed. Ministry of Health and Welfare spokesperson Son Young-rae explained, "According to this diagnosis, the nominee's son corresponds to a Grade 4 evaluation under the 2015 military service evaluation regulations."

After the announcement of the re-examination results, nominee Jeong stated, "My son was evaluated for military service through a fair process without any preferential treatment or morally improper actions," and requested, "Now that the results have been thoroughly verified, please stop baseless suspicions."

He also expressed willingness to disclose the medical records from the time of the military service evaluation in the National Assembly. Jeong said, "Even after re-verification, if the 2015 MRI data is requested by the National Assembly, I will disclose it to medical professionals recommended by the National Assembly."

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