Singer and actor Lee Jun Young officially enlisted for his mandatory military service in the South Korean Army on July 21 KST. Although he has begun his service, fans will still be able to see him on screen through upcoming projects that were completed before his enlistment.
Lee Jun Young entered the Army Training Center on the morning of July 21. His enlistment took place privately without any official ceremony, respecting his agency’s request for fans not to visit the site due to concerns over crowding and safety. After completing basic military training, he will be assigned to his unit and serve as an active-duty soldier.
In the early hours of his enlistment day, Lee Jun Young also posted photos of himself getting his head shaved on social media, quietly bidding farewell to fans before beginning his service. He had first revealed his enlistment plans last month through a handwritten letter addressed to fans, a message he admitted to rewriting ten times. “I spent months thinking and rethinking where to begin this message,” he wrote. “This is already the tenth draft.”
He explained his desire for fans to hear the news directly from him, rather than through media reports. Lee Jun Young candidly reflected on his emotions, admitting that he hadn’t thought much about enlistment until his date was officially confirmed. “Once I received the date, I found myself thinking about it a lot,” he shared, adding that writing the letter one word at a time made him feel a little lighter.
He concluded the heartfelt letter with a promise to return healthy and as himself, wishing fans well: “Until the day I greet you again, I sincerely hope you all stay healthy and spend meaningful, happy days wherever you are.” He also extended his sincere thanks for their unwavering love and support. On the day of his enlistment, Lee Jun Young shared one final cheerful message through his agency, saying, “I’ll be back healthy. See you in the winter of the year after next. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in advance.”
A Versatile Career: From U-KISS to ‘Reborn Rookie’
Born in 1997, Lee Jun Young debuted in the entertainment industry after joining the popular group U-KISS in 2014. Beyond his group activities, he also returned as a solo artist last year with the album ‘LAST DANCE,’ showcasing his continued passion for music alongside his thriving acting career.
He began his acting journey in 2017 with the drama ‘Avengers Social Club’ and has since built an impressive and diverse filmography across various genres. Lee Jun Young gained widespread recognition for his impactful roles in critically acclaimed series like ‘D.P.’ and ‘Mask Girl,’ and further demonstrated his versatility in major productions including ‘The Impossible Heir,’ ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines,’ and ‘Weak Hero Class 2.’ On the big screen, he has also left his mark in films such as ‘Brave Citizen’ and ‘Badland Hunters.’
Most recently, Lee captivated audiences in JTBC’s weekend drama ‘Reborn Rookie,’ which concluded on July 5. He impressed viewers by masterfully taking on dual roles, portraying both the earnest rookie office worker and former soccer player Hwang Jun Hyun, and the spirit of 70-year-old chairman Kang Yong Ho after an accident intertwines their lives. Starring alongside veteran actor Son Hyun Joo, the drama wrapped up with its highest nationwide viewership rating of 13.6%, marking a truly successful finish to his pre-enlistment projects.
Catch Lee Jun Young in ‘Four Hands Two Sonatas’ This August!
Good news for fans: although Lee Jun Young has enlisted, viewers won’t have to wait long to see him in a brand new drama! His upcoming tvN weekend series ‘Four Hands Two Sonatas’ is scheduled to premiere on August 29 at 9:10 PM KST, ensuring his presence on screen even while he serves.
Set against the backdrop of an elite arts high school brimming with musical prodigies, ‘Four Hands Two Sonatas’ explores the intricate themes of friendship, romance, rivalry, and personal growth among young musicians. The evocative title refers to a piano performance where two people collaboratively play the same instrument.
Lee Jun Young takes on the role of Choi Jung Yo, a gifted pianist whose dreams are tragically derailed by financial hardship. Reserved in academic settings, Jung Yo’s true smile only emerges when his fingers touch the piano keys. The production team highlighted Lee’s ability to bring warmth and a free-spirited charm to the character. His co-star is the equally talented Song Kang, who plays piano prodigy Kang Bi Oh. The contrasting personalities of the disciplined Kang Bi Oh and the more carefree Choi Jung Yo promise to create both an intense rivalry and a compelling bromance. Jang Gyuri also joins the stellar cast as Hong Jae In, a viola student blessed with exceptionally sensitive hearing, rounding out the captivating story of these three young musicians.
