6 hours ago
9
Singer and actor Lee Jun Young officially began his mandatory military service on July 21 KST, marking a temporary pause in his entertainment career.
Before entering the Army Training Center, the star shared a heartfelt farewell with fans, including photos of the buzz cut he gave himself, saying goodbye in his own quiet and personal way.
Lee enlisted as an active-duty soldier through a private admission without any official event. His agency requested that fans avoid visiting the training center to prevent crowding and ensure everyone's safety. After completing basic military training, he will be assigned to his military unit to continue his service.
Just hours before reporting for duty, Lee uploaded photos on social media showing himself shaving his head with clippers. The self-cut buzz hairstyle quickly drew attention from fans, becoming a symbolic final greeting before he began his military duties.
The actor had already prepared fans for the news last month through a handwritten letter. According to AllKPop, he revealed that writing it was not easy, admitting, "I spent months thinking and rethinking where to begin this message. This is already the tenth draft." He explained that he wanted fans to hear about his enlistment directly from him instead of learning it through news reports.
Lee Jun Young Shares Final Message
Lee also shared how his feelings changed once his enlistment date became official. He said that before receiving the date, military service did not seem like a big concern. However, after it was confirmed, he found himself thinking about it much more often, adding that writing the letter helped ease his mind little by little.
He ended the message with warm words for those who have supported him throughout his career, writing, "I'll return healthy and as myself. Until the day I greet you again, I sincerely hope you all stay healthy and spend meaningful, happy days wherever you are," SportsKhan reported.
On enlistment day, he also left one final cheerful greeting 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."
Lee first debuted as a member of U-KISS in 2014 before expanding into acting in 2017 with "Avengers Social Club." Over the years, he built an impressive filmography with standout roles in "D.P.," "Mask Girl," "The Impossible Heir," "When Life Gives You Tangerines," "Weak Hero Class 2," "Brave Citizen," and "Badland Hunters."
His most recent drama, "Reborn Rookie," concluded on July 5 after earning its highest nationwide rating of 13.6%, with Lee praised for playing two contrasting characters.
His upcoming tvN weekend drama "Four Hands Two Sonatas," which completed filming before his enlistment, is scheduled to premiere on Aug. 29.
English (US) · 