Who says military enlistment means disappearing from the limelight? Despite military enlistment typically signaling a hiatus from a celebrity’s main career, some manage to make public appearances while serving. Though commercial projects are off-limits during enlistment, artists are permitted to attend public events without compensation. This policy allows fans to catch glimpses of their favorite stars during their service. Here, we highlight six stars who surprised fans by appearing at events midway through their enlistment.
1. Lee Do Hyun: On May 7, Lee Do Hyun made a surprise appearance at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards, delighting his fans. Despite being enlisted in the military since August 14, 2023, he attended to represent his recent box-office hit, ‘Exhuma’. Opting for authenticity, Lee chose to wear a military uniform instead of the usual suit and tie, showcasing his current identity. Confidently gracing the red carpet, he and co-star Kim Go Eun scooped Best New Actor Film and Best Actress awards for ‘Exhuma’. Lee, caught off guard by the win, confessed to being unprepared for a speech, having not anticipated the outcome.
2. Park Hyung Sik: Actor Park Hyung Sik’s appearance at the 40th Blue Dragon Film Awards in 2019 sparked widespread interest. Despite his military enlistment on June 10 of that year, where he served actively in the military police department of the Capital Defense Command, he attended the event. Winning the Popular Star Award, he accepted it onstage adorned in his full military uniform, eliciting a stir about his striking appearance. Park Hyung Sik, upon receiving the award, saluted the crowd instead of a fancy wave, leaving everyone in stitches. His uniform caused quite the spectacle, with fans swooning over his unexpected red-carpet outfit.
3. Kim Jaejoong: In March 31, 2015, Kim Jaejoong, the former TVXQ member began his military service. Later that year, in October, he graced the Korean Popular Culture and Arts Awards, adorned in full military regalia. Jaejoong, who debuted with TVXQ under SM Entertainment in 2004, transitioned to form the group JYJ alongside Park Yoochun and Kim Junsu after leaving the team in 2009 and signing with C-JeS Studios. Kim, known by the stage names Hero Jae Joong and Je Jung, has diversified his career by venturing into acting in both dramas and films.
4. Kim Min Ho: In October 4, 2019, actor Kim Min Ho garnered attention as he graced the 2019 Buil Film Awards in Busan clad in his complete military uniform. Making his acting debut in 2003, he has since showcased his talent in an array of films and television dramas, including notable works like ‘Swing Kids’, ‘The Uncanny Counter’, ‘New Recruit’ seasons 1 and 2, and ‘Doona’, among others.
5. Son Sang Yeon: In 2021, Son Sang Yeon stirred excitement among fans as he made an appearance at the 2021 SBS Drama Awards, despite enlisting on November 8 of the same year. Just over a month later, he surprised attendees by appearing on the red carpet in his military uniform. Son’s portrayal of Bang Yoon-dam in the television series ‘Racket Boys’ catapulted him to fame, earning him the Male Rookie Actor award that night. ‘Racket Boys’ tracks the development of teenagers aged sixteen, both boys and girls, as they confront the hurdles encountered within their school’s badminton club.
6. Yoon Gye Sang: In 2005, actor Yoon Gye Sang made waves at the 41st Baeksang Arts Awards while serving in the military. Surprising the press, he appeared on the red carpet in his military uniform, opting for a salute instead of the customary poses at the photo wall. Being one of the earliest instances of a celebrity attending an event while enlisted, it generated considerable buzz at the time. Yoon Gye Sang started his career in 1999 as part of the K-pop boy band g.o.d, later opted for acting after leaving the group in 2004. His acting debut in the film ‘Flying Boys’ earned him the Best New Actor award at the Baeksang Arts Awards.
These celebrities prove that military service doesn’t necessitate a complete break from the entertainment world. While they may not be able to undertake commercial projects, attending public events allows them to connect with their fans and maintain their public presence.
