List of Korean actors who finished Military Service: As the South Korean government mandates that able-bodied men aged 18-28 contribute to the nation by serving 2-4 years in the army, no exceptions are granted, regardless of their value or contributions to the economy.
A major group includes famous Korean actors who complete their military service and return home. Their return to the entertainment scene reflects not only personal motivation but also a class of professional ethics.
Enthusiastic to see who are the list of Korean actors who finished military service with grace?
Trending: Is Ahn Hyo Seop Exempt From Military Service
List of Korean Actors who finished their Military Service
Several Korean actors have finished their military service and some of them are:
#1. Seo Kang Joon
A notable actor from the hit Disney Plus series: Grid, has finally returned home after his military enlistment (May 2023). The ex-5uprise member has supposedly received the division commander’s commendation for exceptional performance in basic military training.
Fans are eager to watch their beloved actor back on the screens, the offers piling up and enhancing the buzz of the town!
#2. Gong Myung
The charming 29-year old actor, was deployed to serve the South Korean army towards the end of the year 2021, and was discharged in June of this year. After debuting through the web drama “After School: Lucky or Not!” and gained popularity as he acted in dramas namely “Lovers of the Red Sky” and “Melo is my nature”, as well as various movies!
#3. Jang Ki Yong
The “Now, We Are Breaking Up” star, Jang Ki Yong was wholeheartedly welcomed by his fans as he returned in his uniform clad self, with a grateful smile on his face as he thanked everybody for their support. The “Boy Next Door” actor also conveyed his thankfulness for his Commander for the guidance as he finished his military service in February 2023.
#4. Son Sang Yeon
The charismatic actor who played Jang Wu-Jin in the worldwide blockbuster series which was released on Netflix, was discharged from the military in May 2022. Unlike many stars who begin their service in their late 20s, the star has finished his deployment at such a young age and has rejoined the entertainment industry.
#5. Nam Da Reum
Another young patriot, Nam Da Reum,joined his service at the ripe age of 21, returning back to community in August 2023. Playing the lead in the Kakao TV show The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim, he has also signed to appear in the upcoming Netflix movie “Citizen of A Kind”.
#6. Park Seo Ham
The star of the Watch original series “Semantic Error” took up his enlistment right after the release of his series in, as a service worker in the month of March 2022.
For all the fans who have been waiting anxiously for his return, hold onto your hats as December’s right around the corner, he’s coming back with a bang! Or perhaps the fact that he’s already been snatched up for a drama, “Takryu”.
Which K-pop star avoided military service?
According to the reports, Yoo was accused of evading mandatory military service in South Korea by becoming a US citizen. The singer and rapper was also banned from entering the East Asian country and became the only person in history to be banned from the country for acquiring citizenship of another country.
Yoo, a South Korean-born American singer, was also one of South Korea’s most popular K-pop stars after his debut in 1997.
Do female kpop idols go to the military?
Unlike male K-pop idols, who are mandated to undergo compulsory military service, there is no such requirement for female idols. Only those female idols who voluntarily decide to pursue a military career are enlisted.
According to South Korean regulations, all male citizens aged 18 to 28 are obliged to complete mandatory military service. In contrast, women are not obliged to participate in military service; however, they may voluntarily join the military.
Do Kpop idols get special treatment in the military?
All able-bodied men in South Korea, including K-pop idols, are required to fulfill their military service obligations, and there are no exceptions for them.
However, special exemptions are granted to athletes and classical artists who excel in certain types of international competitions associated with national prestige, such as winning certain international or national awards, Olympic medals, or gold medals at the Asian Games.
What happens to kpop idols after military enlistment?
After completing their mandatory military service in South Korea, K-pop idols typically return to their respective entertainment agencies and resume their careers in the entertainment industry.
A K-pop idol’s career may be temporarily halted by mandatory military enlistment, but it may not stop altogether. The influence of military service on an idol’s career varies based on several factors, such as the person’s fame, the duration of their absence, and the strategies used by their entertainment organization.
Many idols make victorious comebacks through solo or group ventures, acting, or career expansion. It’s an uphill battle, yet many idols return stronger and more fierceful than before.
How long does Korean military service last for idols?
Korean men, including K-pop idols, are supposed to enlist in the mandatory military service in South Korea. As per the rules, all able-bodied men are required to serve for 18 months in the Army and the Marines, 20 months in the Navy, and 21 months in the Air Force.
The time duration for the Korean actors will be decided upon the assigned position, such as Army, Navy, or Air Force. K-pop idols will be given basic training for a few weeks and later they will be moved to the roles in which they will finish the rest of their enlistment.
Can kpop idols use phones in military?
A phone can be used within the unit in the case of Korean conscripted soldiers. Military secrets, however, cannot be texted or called, and photographing armed or secret equipment is strictly prohibited.
Why do kpop idols go to military?
In South Korea, it is a mandatory rule for all able-bodied males, including K-pop idols, to perform military service in the country between the ages of 18 and 28.
What are Korean military service rules for celebrities?
There have been no special exemption or rules for Korean celebrities and K-pop idols in terms of mandatory military service. However, special exemptions are granted to athletes and classical artists who excel in certain types of international competitions associated with national prestige.
FAQ: List of Korean actors who finished Military Service
Here are the frequently asked questions related to K-pop idols military enlistment.
#1. Which Korean actor is doing military service in 2023?
‘Dr Romantic’ actor Kim Min-Jae left for mandatory service on September 18, 2023, which was confirmed by his agency, Nyam Nyam Entertainment. Currently, the “While You Were Sleeping” actor is also serving in the military as a reserve soldier.
#2. Is Jung Kook in the military now?
Jung Kook, one of the members of the South Korean boy band BTS, will reportedly join the military on December 12. There have been reports of him and other BTS members RM, Jimin, and V enlisting in the military in December.
BTS is currently on a temporary break as all seven members of the band are either serving their mandatory military service or have begun the process of military enlistment.
Conclusion: List of Korean actors who finished Military Service
Enlisting in the military service in South Korea is mandatory for all physically fit men aged 18 to 28 years, making no exceptions for K-pop idols.
The completion of mandatory military service is a significant milestone for K-pop idols. Fans eagerly wait for their favourite K-pop idols to return from military service to the show biz.
With actors like Kim Min-jae currently serving in the military and speculation about the conscription of Jung Kook and other BTS members, the cycle of service and return remains an integral part of the Korean entertainment industry.