Lee Jun-young / Captured from his Instagram
Actor and former U-KISS member Lee Jun-young has temporarily stepped away from the entertainment world, beginning his mandatory military service on Tuesday. The 29-year-old artist quietly entered an Army training center, with his agency Billions confirming that his arrival was kept private, foregoing any official farewell event. Following his basic training, Lee Jun-young will fulfill his duty as an active-duty soldier.
A Personal Goodbye to Fans
Before his enlistment, Lee Jun-young connected with his devoted fanbase, sharing intimate photos on social media of himself shaving his head into a military buzz cut. He had previously prepared fans for his temporary departure with a poignant handwritten letter. In his message, Lee expressed his commitment to return healthy and true to himself. “Until the day I greet you again, I sincerely hope you all stay healthy and spend happy and meaningful time wherever you are. Thank you for always caring for and supporting me,” he wrote, reassuring fans of his eventual return.
From Idol to Acclaimed Actor
Born in 1997, Lee Jun-young embarked on his K-pop journey in 2014 as a member of U-KISS. He successfully transitioned into acting in 2017, steadily building a formidable filmography. Fans have seen his versatile talent shine in diverse roles across popular series such as “A Special Meal of the Weirdo ‘Nara’,” “Avengers Social Club,” “D.P.,” “Mask Girl,” “The Impossible Heir,” “When Life Gives You Tangerines” and “Weak Hero Class 2.”
Departing on a Career High
Notably, Lee Jun-young heads to the military at a peak in his acting career, fresh off the immense success of JTBC’s “Reborn Rookie.” The series, with Lee in a leading role, concluded on July 5, achieving an impressive peak viewership rating of 13.6 percent for its 12th episode. This strong showing highlights his growing influence and skill as a leading man in the industry, making his temporary hiatus a bittersweet moment for many. Fans eagerly await his healthy return to the stage and screen.
