Yet another year is passing by and fans have already bid adieu to a bunch of 'Oppas.' In Korea, two year of military service is mandatory for every male citizen since the country is technically at war with its North counterpart round the year. For celebrities, enlistment is considered as a much-needed break from shutters and flashes as they have been working non-stop over the years. Many celebrities even consider the army service as a platform to restructure their lifestyle. Here we bring you the list of celebrities who took up the mandatory military service in 2017.
Ji Chang Wook
Enlistment Date: August 14
Last Project: Suspicious Partner
On Military: "I know it is kind of late for me to begin mandatory military service, but I will do my best there no matter what," he said, expressing his honest thoughts about the nearing future. I don't know how my days in the military will be because I've never done it. I'm worried, but excited at the same time.
Also Read: Ji Chang Wook is the Platoon Commander!
Lee Min Ho
Enlistment Date: May 12
Last Project: The Legend of the Blue Sea
On Military: "I thought I would be totally cool with it and I thought it would be nothing. But I do feel a bit sad, too. It's not about the fact that I have to enlist that makes me sad, but the fact that I'm at the end of my 20s."Having a routine is going to be a great challenge for me in itself."
Also Read: Lee Min Ho completes his final commercial before military enlistment
Joo Won
Enlistment Date: May 16
Last Project: My Sassy Girl
On Military: " I feel strange. I feel better than what I anticipated. I also feel calm and comfortable. I love my fans. Please stay healthy and don't worry about me."
Also Read: Joo Won is now Assistant Instructor at his military base
Kim Soo Hyun
Enlistment Date: September 23
Last Project: Real
On Military: "Hello, this is Kim Soo Hyun. I wanted to briefly greet everyone before I enlist. I want to express my gratitude to those who have always supported me. I will return in good health. I hope everyone stays healthy."
Also Read: 'I will return in good health,' says Kim Soo Hyun before leaving for military service
Taecyeon
Enlistment Date: September 4
Last Project: Save Me
On Military: In July, Taecyeon expressed his desire to enlist in the army this year. "I really want to go (to the military) this year. I will if the Military Manpower Administration summons me," he said.
Also Read: 2PM member Taecyeon surprises fans by enlisting in the military
Kang Ha Neul
Enlistment Date: September 11
Last Project: Forgotten
On Military: "I think this Instagram post will be the last one that I post in my 20s. Because I don't post a lot.. and when I come back I'll be in my 30s. I'm fully aware that 30 is not that old, but I'm trying to give a little meaning to this being the last post of my 20s. A new environment, new people, new energy. I'm looking forward to it all, and I think it will be fun. I'll spend a happy two years full of laughter, and I'll be back."
In the Kpop world:
Lee Joon gifted his fans with a farewell track ahead of his enlistment in October
MYNAME member Insoo shared his military haircut picture with fans.
King Loves star Im Siwan too had a silent enlistment this year.
Other Kpop stars who enlisted in the military this year include Im Seulong, MADTOWN's Buffy, Lee Chan Hyuk of Akdong Musician, 2PM's Jun K and Kwanghee. And of course, the most controversial enlistment was that of Big Bang's T.O.P, who was caught smoking marijuana weeks after he started training. He was soon suspended from service but was later assigned as a public service worker. Meanwhile, actor Seo In Guk was suspended from training after he was diagnosed with osteochondritis dissecans, a kind of joint disorder. The news created quite a stir among his fans and some even accused him of using his medical condition for exemption. Recently, actor Yoo Ah In was under the radar for a similar situation.
