'Start-Up' star Nam Da-reum shocks the Korean entertainment world after announcing military enlistment
Fast-rising Korean teen actor and former Start-Up star Nam Da-reum has officially announced that he will be enlisting in the military this February.
The surprising announcement, which was reported by several Korean entertainment sites, came as a shock, since Da-reum is only 19 years old (international age).
According to a report by koreaboo.com, all healthy males from ages 18 to 28 are required to enlist and partake in their national duty for 1.5 years in South Korea.
In another article, Soompi released the full statement of the young actor, where he explained why he decided to enlist in the military this year.
Da-reum stated, โEver since I was young, serving in the military early was one of my goals. Although I wasn't able to go at the age of 20 [by Korean reckoning], I think it's a relief that I'm at least able to go at the age of 21.
โAfter I come back, I will try to show you an improved version of myself as an adult and as an actor. Uniques, please take good care of your health. I will return a more mature person. Thank you.โ
He started as a child actor and his first project was Boys Over Flower in 2009, playing the younger version of Yoon Ji-hoo.
In 2020, Da-reum captured the attention of K-drama fans across the globe for his brilliant acting as the young version of Han Ji-pyeong (Kim Seon-ho) in the hit rom-com series Start-Up.
Find out more about this Korean heartthrob in this gallery.
