Actor Kwak Dong Yeon, a familiar face to global audiences, especially with his recent special appearance in the Netflix series ‘The East Palace,’ is preparing for a significant chapter in his life: mandatory military service. The versatile performer, who debuted in 2012 and is now in his 14th year in the industry, will temporarily step away from acting this August. Fans can rest assured, as he plans to resume his acting career immediately after completing his service.
Kwak Dong Yeon Enlists August 25: A Pause in a Brilliant Career
On July 21 KST, his agency THEBLACKLABEL officially announced that Kwak Dong Yeon will begin his mandatory military service as an active-duty soldier on August 25. He is expected to be discharged in February 2028. The agency confirmed, “The actor will faithfully fulfill his national defense duties through active-duty military service.” In a quiet and respectful move, Kwak Dong Yeon will enter the army training center without holding any special enlistment event, opting for a private departure. After completing his basic military training, he will be assigned to his unit for active service.
As a direct result of his enlistment, the actor will reportedly no longer be able to join the upcoming second season of the tvN variety show ‘The Village Barber,’ which had previously been under discussion. This news comes as a bittersweet update for fans who enjoyed his charming presence on the show.
The first season, which aired earlier this year, showcased Kwak Dong Yeon alongside fellow stars Park Bo Gum and Lee Sang Yi. The trio operated a small hair salon in the rural village of Muju, genuinely interacting with residents and bringing heartwarming moments to screens. The 10-episode series concluded in April and garnered significant praise for the trio’s genuine friendship and undeniable chemistry. While Kwak Dong Yeon’s absence will be felt, actor Go Kyung Pyo will step in to replace him in Season 2, promising a fresh dynamic for the show.
From Child Actor to Versatile K-Drama Star
Born in 1997, Kwak Dong Yeon’s journey in the entertainment industry began early. He made his acting debut in the 2012 KBS2 drama ‘My Husband Got a Family,’ where he charmed audiences as Bang Jang Goon. Interestingly, he originally trained to debut as a singer, but ultimately shifted his focus to acting, quickly building his early career by portraying younger versions of major characters in popular dramas such as ‘Jang Ok Jung, Living by Love’ and ‘Inspiring Generation.’
His undeniable talent truly shone through in 2016 with KBS2’s hit historical drama ‘Love in the Moonlight.’ His compelling portrayal of Kim Byung Yeon, the stoic and loyal bodyguard, firmly established him as one of Korea’s most promising rising stars, earning him widespread recognition and a dedicated fanbase. In 2018, he further solidified his popularity as the warm-hearted Yeon Woo Young in JTBC’s webtoon-based drama ‘Gangnam Beauty,’ captivating viewers as a memorable second male lead. Later that same year, he boldly challenged himself with his first villain role in ‘My Strange Hero,’ expertly showcasing a darker, more complex side of his acting range.
Kwak Dong Yeon continued to expand his impressive range, delivering standout performances across multiple genres. In 2021, he captivated audiences as Jang Han Seo in tvN’s highly acclaimed ‘Vincenzo,’ sharing the screen with none other than Song Joong Ki. The following year, 2022, saw him take on the quirky role of Jerry in MBC’s ‘Big Mouth,’ showcasing his comedic timing. He also successfully ventured into comedy film, starring in ‘6/45’ as Kim Man Chul, a South Korean soldier caught in a hilarious lottery ticket mishap with North Korean counterparts.
In 2024, he once again won over audiences with his phenomenal performance as Hong Soo Cheol, the younger brother of Hong Hae In and third-generation heir of Queens Group, in tvN’s blockbuster drama ‘Queen of Tears.’ His character’s evolution, from an immature chaebol heir to a mature and emotionally layered figure, perfectly highlighted his exceptional acting range and depth. The drama, starring the powerhouse duo Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, became tvN’s highest-rated drama of all time, achieving an astonishing peak nationwide rating of 24.9%.
‘Love in the Moonlight’ Cast Reunites for 10th Anniversary
Before embarking on his military service, Kwak Dong Yeon has one more special treat in store for his fans. He is expected to participate in a special variety program celebrating the highly anticipated 10th anniversary of the beloved drama ‘Love in the Moonlight.’ This reunion is already generating immense buzz among fans eager to see the iconic cast together again.
Originally airing on KBS2 from August to October 2016, the historical romance drama, based on a popular web novel, enchanted viewers with the story of Crown Prince Lee Young (Park Bo Gum) and Hong Ra On (Kim Yoo Jung), a young woman disguised as a palace eunuch. The drama was a nationwide sensation, recording an incredible peak viewership rating of 23.3%. To commemorate its milestone 10th anniversary, the five main cast members—Park Bo Gum, Kim Yoo Jung, Jinyoung, Chae Soo Bin, and Kwak Dong Yeon—will reunite for the special program. Filming is scheduled for early August, making it a perfect pre-enlistment activity, though a broadcast date has yet to be announced. With Kwak Dong Yeon set to enlist on August 25, this reunion special is undoubtedly expected to serve as a meaningful and cherished farewell gift for his dedicated fanbase.
Making an Impact in Netflix’s ‘The East Palace’
Ahead of his enlistment, Kwak Dong Yeon has also been captivating international audiences through his special appearance in Netflix’s intriguing original series ‘The East Palace,’ which premiered on July 17. His involvement has added an extra layer of excitement for viewers.
The dark fantasy mystery period drama plunges viewers into a world where Gu Cheon (played by Nam Joo Hyuk), a man with the rare ability to cross between the human and spirit worlds, teams up with palace maid Saeng Gang (Roh Yoon Seo), who can hear the voices of ghosts. Together, under the direct orders of the king (Cho Seung Woo), they embark on a dangerous investigation into the mysterious curse haunting the East Palace, a tale rich with suspense and supernatural elements.
Directed by Choi Jung Gyu (‘The Devil Judge,’ ‘Children of Nobody’) and penned by Kwon So Ra and Seo Jae Won (‘The Guest,’ ‘Bulgasal: Immortal Souls’), the series masterfully blends traditional Korean folklore and chilling supernatural legends with the intricate politics of the royal court. This unique combination offers a fresh, captivating, and often eerie take on the historical drama genre, setting it apart from typical period pieces.
Kwak Dong Yeon makes a significant special appearance as the Crown Prince, a pivotal character intricately tied to the central mystery surrounding the repeated, tragic deaths of crown princes. Despite his limited screen time, he delivers an exceptionally memorable performance that effectively heightens the tension and dramatic stakes of the story, proving his ability to leave a strong impression with even brief appearances.
Alongside the stellar cast including Nam Joo Hyuk, Noh Yoon Seo, and Cho Seung Woo, the series also features talented actors like Jang Young Nam, Tae In Ho, Hwang Young Hee, Hong Seo Jun, and Lee Hong Nae, all contributing to its rich ensemble. Since its highly anticipated release, ‘The East Palace’ has garnered immense attention for its immersive supernatural atmosphere and has rapidly climbed to the No. 1 spot on Netflix Korea’s “Top 10 Series Today” rankings, proving its immediate popularity and gripping appeal.
