10 Korean Actors Who Completed Their Military Service Before They Hit Stardom

A lot of them served before they even made their debut!

Most Korean celebrities choose to fulfill their military service late in their careers, as they want to establish themselves before they leave for a length of time. Some Korean celebrities completed their military service before they hit their peaks as a celebrity, as they chose to serve early. Here are 10 Korean actors who completed their military service before they hit stardom.

1. Lee Kwang Soo

Lee Kwang Soo showed no hesitation in completing his military service, as he fulfilled it right after he graduated high school. After getting discharged, he started his career as a model, then transitioned into acting. He’s now made a name for himself through his appearances on Running Man, as well as his frequent appearances on K-Dramas.

2. Park Seo Joon

Park Seo Joon completed his military service before he debuted, as he entered the military when he was 19 years old. He soon debuted as an actor after he got discharged, and is now a household name in the entertainment industry. Some of his most famous projects are Itaewon Class, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, and Kill Me, Heal Me.

3. Ryu Jun Yeol

Ryu Jun Yeol completed his military service before he began his career as an actor. He began acting a few years after getting discharged from the military. Ryu Jun Yeol gained massive popularity from his appearance on Reply 1988.

4. Yoo Seung Ho

Yoo Seung Ho debuted as a child actor, so he was quite well known by the general public. He decided to shock everyone by enlisting in the military when he was just 19 years old. Since getting discharged, Yoo Seung Ho has been the male lead in many famous K-Dramas, and his fame has only increased with time.

5. Ahn Jae Hyun

Ahn Jae Hyun originally debuted as a model in 2009. In 2012, he decided that it was time for him to enlist in the military. After getting discharged, he decided to try out acting, and he gained a name for himself after appearing on My Love from the Star. His popularity has only grown over the years, as Ahn Jae Hyun has been quite active in the acting industry.

6. Jung Hae In

Jung Hae In‘s dream of becoming an actor began when he was serving in the military. After getting discharged, he decided to fully pursue his dreams of becoming an actor. Jung Hae In rose to fame with his memorable appearances on many K-Dramas, such as his leading role in Something in the Rain.

7. Yoon Kyun Sang

Yoon Kyun Sang completed his military service before his debut as an actor. After getting discharged, he started his career off with some small supporting roles in K-Dramas. Yoon Kyung Sang eventually rose to fame and has been offered multiple lead roles.

8. Yoo Yeon Seok

Yoo Yeon Seok made his acting debut in the film Oldboy, which is one of the most recognized Korean films. After this, Yoo Yeon Seok decided to enlist in the military. After a long hiatus from acting, Yoo Yeon Seok eventually returned to acting. Since his return, he has been a part of many famous K-Dramas, such as his memorable role in Reply 1994.

9. Yoon Park

Yoon Park decided to complete his military service when he was in his early 20s, which is much younger than many other celebrities. Since getting discharged, Yoon Park has been constantly involved in K-Dramas.

10. Yeon Woo Jin

Yeon Woo Jin completed his military service before he even debuted as an actor. Since getting discharged, he has been passionately involved in acting, as he’s been making quite a name for himself.