The South Korean government requires all physically fit men between 18 and 28 to serve in the military. As a result, many Korean actors must put their careers on hold to complete this responsibility. The people of South Korea view military service as a source of pride and a duty to their country, although it may also provide valuable life experience and maturity. Some artists, like Kim Seon-Ho, Lee Kwang Soo, and Ryu Jun-Yeol, served in the military before beginning their careers in the entertainment business. Others, such as Jung Hae In, Ahn Jae-Hyun, and Wi Ha-Joon, joined the army after starting their acting careers and were allowed to go on when their duty was over. Actors are prohibited from making public appearances or participating in entertainment activities while in the military and have limited access to outside contact. However, many actors have discovered methods to pursue their interests and skills while serving, such as reading scripts or honing their acting abilities in their spare time.
1. Park Seo Joon
In the music video for Bang Yong Guk's song "I Remember," Park Seo Joon made his acting debut in 2011. His first acting break in the musical drama "Dream High 2" was in 2012. His popularity skyrocketed after that, and he eventually became well-known. Park Seo Joon's fans were thrilled to learn that he enrolled in the military in 2008 at 19, just after graduating from high school. He finished his military duty in 2010, which made it possible for him to pursue an acting career.
2. Lee Kwang Soo
Lee Kwang Soo immediately enlisted in the military after finishing high school, serving until his release in 2007. He started acting directly, and in the 2008 drama "Here He Comes," he had his first break. But when the SBS variety programme "Running Man" chose him to participate in 2010, he made his genuine breakthrough. The fact that he finished his military obligations at a young age is good since we would not have had the chance to watch him on "Running Man"!
3. Hwang In Youp
Before beginning his career as an actor in the entertainment industry in 2018, Hwang In Yeop had already finished his military duty. In 2017, he went on an audition to become a fashion model, and he quickly began working. His performances in well-known plays, including "True Beauty," "The Tale of Nokdu," "The Sound of Magic," and "Why Her" brought him prominence as an actor.
4. Jung Hae In
Jung Hae In had to complete his military duty in college. He became aware of his affinity for performing while serving and decided to pursue it. He finished his military duty in 2010 and entered into a contract with an acting agency. Jung Hae In joined his agency after receiving his college degree and debuted in the "Moya" music video by AOA Black. Then he made his acting debut in the "Bride of the Century" television series.
5. Ryu Jun- Yeol
Before starting his acting career, Ryu Jun-Yeol had already finished his required military duty. He served between 2007 and 2009 before following his dream of becoming an actor. Ryu Jun-Yeol played his first on-screen part in the 2015 film "Socialphobia," which marked his acting debut. He became highly well-known, nevertheless, for his role as Kim Jung-Hwan in the historical drama "Reply 1998."
6. Kim Jung-Hyun
From a young age, Kim Jung-Hyun has had a penchant for performing. He had to take a break from his studies at the Korea National University of Arts when he was 21 to complete his military duty. After serving his country, he began his acting career and won his first part in the movie "Overman" shortly after that. His renown was greatly enhanced by Kim Jung-Hyun's excellent performance in "Crash Landing On You" with the well-known pair Hyun Bin and Son Ye-Jin. Additionally, he won praise from critics for his portrayal of King Cheoljong in the Kdrama "Mr. Queen."
7. Kim Seon-Ho
Long before his formal debut, Kim Seon-Ho was already active in acting. Before debuting in the entertainment sector in 2017, he served his required military duty. He made his first appearance in the television series "Good Manager." Later, Kim Seon-Ho was cast in hit films, including "100 Days My Prince," "Welcome to Waikiki 2," and "Start-Up," and he became well known for playing a famous character in "Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha."
8. Yoon Kye-Sang
Yoon Kyun-Sang began his professional life in the entertainment sphere as a model. He made his acting debut in 2012 after finishing his mandatory military service and receiving his release in 2010. Yoon Kyun-Sang rose to prominence in the business because of his standout performances in several productions, including the central part in the historical television series "The Rebel," which brought him widespread praise.
9. Wi Ha-Joon
The popular television series "Squid Game" star Wi Ha-Joon had already finished his military duty by the time he was 20 years old. He was inclined to perform and even studied theatre and cinema at Sungkul University before deciding to work in the entertainment industry. His standout performances in shows like "Something in the Rain," "Romance is a Bonus Book," ‘’Little Women,’’ and, of course, "Squid Game" helped him become well-known.
10. Ahn Jae-Hyun
Ahn Jae-Hyun decided to follow his passion of becoming an actor in 2012 and served in the military before doing so. He made his acting debut in the drama "My Love From The Star" and became well-known worldwide. He also appeared in the films Blood, United Worlds, The Beauty Inside, and Love With Flaws.
