Korean actor and singer Lee Jun-young is set to enlist in mandatory military service on July 21, temporarily stepping away at a time when his acting career is experiencing significant growth across television and streaming platforms.
The 29-year-old actor personally confirmed the news through a handwritten letter shared on social media, expressing his desire to inform fans directly.
In South Korea, military service is compulsory for all able-bodied men and typically lasts around 18 to 21 months, depending on the assigned branch.
Lee’s enlistment comes during a notably successful phase in his career. He is currently starring in the JTBC weekend drama “The New Employee, Chairman Kang,” which has steadily gained traction in viewership after a modest opening, with each episode setting new ratings records.
His performance, particularly in the drama’s body-swapping storyline, has drawn praise for its emotional restraint and nuanced delivery.
Despite the timing of his enlistment, Lee has taken steps to ensure continued screen presence during his service period. He is scheduled to appear in the upcoming thriller “Four Hands,” set for release in August shortly after he reports for duty.
In addition, several previously completed projects are expected to keep him visible on screen, including the Netflix romantic comedy “Our Sticky Love” and the feature film “Handwritten.”
Industry observers note that military service often creates a temporary pause in momentum for rising Korean actors, commonly referred to as a “military hiatus.” However, Lee’s tightly packed release schedule is seen as a strategic effort to maintain audience engagement even during his absence.
His agency is reportedly working to ensure that his ongoing projects sustain his growing popularity, allowing his career to resume strongly once he completes his mandatory service.
