Korean celebrities who will be released from military service in 2021
If you have a favorite Korean male actor or singer, you've probably heard of the mandatory military enlistment in Korea. But what exactly does the South Korean military service mean?
Once a Korean male turns 18, he is required to serve the military for roughly two years. However, they don't have to start their service immediately. Delaying the starting date until the age of 28 is possible for many Koreans.
While many famous idols and actors wait until they're in their late 20s before enlisting to focus on their careers, most Korean men complete their military service in their early 20s. Many men start their military enlistment during their college years and finish it in roughly two years. The length of service depends on the military branch.
Good physical health is required to serve active duty for the military, but it's possible to complete military service outside of active duty, such as with police duties. Those who are not in good health are still allowed to complete their military service through non-active duty such as social work or other services for the government.
Korean men with exceptional skills in the arts, athletics, and music can be exempted from the service. Many Korean male celebrities still choose to undergo the program and serve despite missing out on their careers for a while. Currently, there are dozens of Korean male artists who are in the military. Take a look at the Korean celebrities who are being released from the military in 2021.
Park Hyung-sik
Park Hyung-sik joined the Nonsan Army Training Center on June 10, 2019. He was awarded the training director's certificate, an award given to those who show exemplary performance and attitude during basic training. He is scheduled to be discharged from the military in January 2021.
D.O.
EXO's D.O. or Do Kyung-soo is the second member to begin his military service following Xiumin. He enlisted on July 1, 2019 and is scheduled to be discharged on January 25, 2021.
Baro
B1A4's Baro a.k.a. Cha Sun-woo entered the military on July 30, 2019. During his basic military training, he was given the Exemplary Soldier award for being an excellent soldier during his training. He is scheduled to be released on February 20, 2021.
Jinyoung
Another B1A4 member who joined the military in 2019 is Jung Jin-young. He entered the military on June 20, 2019 as a public service worker after previously suffering from shoulder injuries due to filming and performances. He is expected to be discharged by April 9, 2021.
Junho
2PM's Lee Junho began his military service as a public service worker on May 30, 2019. Due to a severe shoulder injury he suffered in 2010 during an acrobatics practice. He underwent a major surgery becasue of the injury in 2012 and was judged unfit for active duty. He will be discharged on March 20, 2021.
Lee Hong-ki
FT Island's Lee Hong-ki joined the military on September 30, 2019. He was cast in a military musical 'Return' along with EXO's D.O. and Xiumin but the musical was postponed due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 [www.gmanetwork.com/covid19] pandemic. He will be released on April 18, 2021.
Jaejin
Another FT Island member joined the military in 2020. Lee Jae-jin joined on January 21, 2020. He was also supposed to perform in 'Return' along with FT Island co-member Lee Jae-jin. He is set to be discharged on August 1, 2021
Sungjong
Infinite's Lee Sung-jong enlisted in the military on July 29, 2020 as a public service worker. A representative for Infinite's agency Woollim Entertainment told the press that Sung-jong will undergo social service duties in place of active military duties. Details regarding the reason for his exemption from active military duty were not disclosed. He will be released on May 8, 2021.
Seungri
Former BIG BANG member Seungri joined the military on March 9, 2020. In April 2020, he was appointed as his battallion's platoon leader. Some of his tasks include guiding his colleagues in regular training drills. He will be released on September 16, 2021.
Lee Jong-suk
Actor Lee Jong-suk enlisted in the military on March 8, 2019. He was released in January 2021.
He was a public service worker owing to his ruptured ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) caused by a car accident as a teenager.
Jong-suk was discharged from the military on January 2, 2021.
Lee Won-geun
Actor Lee Won-geun entered the military training camp on June 13, and served as a conscripted police officer.
He was released from service on January 7, 2021.