Another year means another set of K-drama actors who are set to have their enlistments.
From rising stars to 2022’s breakout celebrities, these Korean actors need to hit a pause on their careers as they gear up for mandatory military service.
While they are completing their service, fans will surely wait for their much-awaited comeback.
From Song Kang to Kang Tae Oh’s nearing enlistment, here is the list of Korean actors who are set to begin their military service.
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Song Kang
Back in 2021, rumors sparked that the 28-year-old actor would have his enlistment by December.
In Korea able-bodied men aged between 18 and 28 must enlist and fulfill their duties as part of efforts to defend the country.
However, his enlistment didn't push through as Song Kang headlined the rom-com Forecasting Love and Weather with Park Min Young and is currently in production for the highly anticipated Sweet Home 2.
Despite his lined-up projects, some predict that he might join this year after wrapping up his activities.
It can be recalled that Song Kang revealed plans for his enlistment in a previous interview.
According to a report, he shared that he is “thinking about joining the military” and mentioned that he doesn't “feel too much pressure about the hiatus.”
“I have set a goal before I go to the army. I was casting for a piece of work, hundreds of times more than that goal today,” he said, adding, “I don’t feel pressured because I think I’ve achieved it.
READ MORE: Song Kang Announces Official Fan Club Name
Kang Tae Oh
Best known for his role as Lee Joon Ho in the hit K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo, Kang Tae Oh personally announced his enlistment during his virtual fan meet, TikTok Stage Connect: SweeTaeOh.
As obtained by SBS News, the actor delivered a heartwarming message to his fans following his announcement.
"The message (of enlistment) has arrived. I was called to fulfill my mandatory duty to my country. I will enlist in the military on September 20."
He thanked them for” making such good memories” with him and promised to “return with a healthy mindset."
Following Kang Tae Oh’s enlistment, he plans to serve his mandatory military service as an active-duty soldier.
Nam Joo Hyuk
Another K-drama actor who is projected to join the mandatory military service this 2022 is Nam Joo Hyuk.
He rose to fame amid the hype of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo opposite Lee Sung Kyung. From then on he appeared in a slew of notable dramas like Start-Up and Twenty-Five Twenty-One.
While he is set to lead the cast of the upcoming K-drama Vigilante with Money Heist Korea star Yoo Ji Tae, as well as Lee Joon Hyuk, he is also among the actors who are predicted to enlist later this year.
However, as of this writing, there’s no formal announcement yet from his agency Management Soop.
GOT7’s Jinyoung
From Song Kang to Nam Joo Hyuk, GOT7’s Jinyoung will turn 29 this September 22, which means that judging from his age, he will be enlisted after his birthday.
He recently wrapped up his K-drama with Kim Go Eun for Yumi Cells 2; however, he is courted to headline the webtoon-based series The Witch with Roh Jeong Eui.
GOT7 Jinyoung’s agency is yet to confirm his plans for his enlistment.
Kim Min Kyu
The 27-year-old actor gained massive attention after joining the cast of the hit K-drama A Business Proposal, where he played the role of Cha Sung Hoon along with fellow lead stars Ahn Hyo Seop and Kim Sejeong.
According to reports, he once shared that he has planned to enlist in the military, saying that he might enlist after finishing another project.
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Stay tuned to EpicStream for the latest news and updates about Song Kang, Kang Tae Oh, GOT7’s Jinyoung, Kim Min Kyu, and Nam Joo Hyuk.