We promise you’ll miss them a little less by watching their shows!
You might be wondering why Korean actors disappear from the spotlight for around two years to be in the military. This is because Korean law requires its male citizens between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve in the military, and famous Hallyu stars and idols are no exception. This year, hearts broke as favorite idols and actors (actors who were born in 1992) started temporarily saying goodbye to their fans to enlist in the military.
We know you miss them but hold your tears! While you wait for their return, you can always binge-watch their Korean dramas on Viu. Don’t know where to start? Check our roundup of the best movies and TV series to watch based on your favorite actor or idol!
1. Lee Jong Suk
The world has been waiting with bated breath for Lee Jong Suk to finish his military service, which began in March 2019. Luckily, Lee Jong Suk has starred in many Korean dramas and films—so get your popcorn ready because we know you’re going to want to binge-watch these until he makes his return to acting:
Recommended Dramas: While You Were Sleeping, W (Two Worlds), Pinocchio, Doctor Stranger, I Hear Your Voice
Recommended Movies: Hot Young Bloods
2. Park Bo Gum
Dubbed as the “Nation’s boyfriend”, Park Bo Gum has successfully made every girl fall in love with his smile, puppy dog eyes, and brilliant acting.
The 27-year old A-lister recently shocked his fans by suddenly enlisting in the military as part of the Naval Cultural Promotion Team last August 31, 2020. However, fans don’t have to be so sad because he actually has multiple shows and movies lined up for the next few months! While you wait for those to premier, might as well check out his other great career-defining dramas:
3. Park Hyung Sik
In June 2019, idol-turned-actor Park Hyung Sik enlisted in the military and like Lee Jong Suk, he’s scheduled to be released in January 2021. If you’ve forgotten how good of an actor he is (how dare you!), these shows will surely make you remember how talented he is!
Recommended Dramas: Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, Suits
4. Do Kyung Soo
Do Kyung Soo, or more popularly known as “D.O.”, is the main vocalist of the boy band EXO. But, don’t let his youthful allure deceive you, this singer-slash-actor has been winning acting awards since 2014!
Although his fans were devastated when he voluntarily enlisted in July 2019, he is expected to return in January 2021 - just a couple months from now! While you count down the days, might as well do so by watching his dramas:
Recommended Dramas: 100 Days My Prince,
Recommended Movie: My Annoying Brother, Unforgettable
5. Yang Se Jong
Yang Se Jong quietly enlisted in the military this past May and in less than 6 months, he was already given a commendation for excellence by his commander. This isn’t completely surprising since excellence seems like something that’s part of his DNA.
Case in point: His breakout role in “Temperature of Love” won him 3 Best New Actor Awards in the prestigious SBS Drama Awards, Baeksang Arts Awards, and APAN Star Awards! If that isn’t proof enough of how talented he is, watch his amazing acting skills for yourself.
6. Yook Sung Jae
As an actor and member of the popular boy group BTOB, it’s not surprising that Yook Sung Jae joined the military band as part of his service. While you wait for his return, you can see his adorable wit and charm in shows like these:
7. Kim Myung Soo
Don’t panic, he hasn’t enlisted yet! (But scheduled to soon, cue tears). Kim Myung Soo, commonly known as “L”, made his debut as the lead vocalist and main visual of the boy band INFINITE. Because of his beautiful voice and charm, Kim Myung Soo is in talks to lead a new drama soon. Our guess is he’ll finish filming this first before enlisting in the military! If you can’t wait to watch it, why not distract yourself with his other shows first?
Recommended Shows: Angel’s Last Mission: Love, Meow The Secret Boy, Miss Hammurabi, The Emperor: Owner of the Mask
8. Woo Do Hwan
Rising star Woo Do Hwan skyrocketed to Hallyu status when he played Lee Min Ho’s bodyguard and bestfriend in The King: Eternal Monarch. Since then they’ve become real life buddies, with Lee Min Ho even posting a photo with Woo Do Hwan before he joined the 15th Infantry Division in Hwacheon, Gangwon Province last July 6, 2020.
Even if Woo Do Hwan doesn’t have a lot of shows yet, you can always gaze into his tantalizing eyes again when you watch Tempted (The Great Seducer)!
Recommended Show: Tempted (The Great Seducer)
9. Choi Min Ho
Great news: Choi Min Ho will be discharged from the military this coming November 2020! He started his career as a model and the main rapper of the Korean boy group SHINee. Rising to fame as an “idol”, Choi Min Ho then tried his hand at acting by playing supporting roles in many classic K-dramas. After a while, he was able to bag lead roles alongside top Korean actresses like Park So Dam and Oh Yeon-Seo.
Recommended Shows: Hwarang, My First Time
10. Lee Hong Ki
On September 30, 2019, F.T. ISLAND vocalist Lee Hong Ki joined the 21st Infantry Division. Close to 500 fans reportedly went and bid their goodbyes to their favorite idol as he began his military service. But if you think you’re only left with his music videos and records, you’re in luck! You can also tune in to his TV show Moorim School and other guestings on Viu:
11. Lee Jun Ho
Who else is excited for March 2021? It’s the month Lee Jun Ho, or better known as Jun Ho, will be discharged from the military!
He first gained popularity when he won “Superstar Survival” in 2006 and now he’s not only the lead vocalist of 2PM, but an actor by nabbing a couple of lead roles in several Korean dramas!
Recommended Shows: Wok Of Love
12. Lee Ki-kwang
Before he began his military service, Lee Gikwang gifted his fans with a special music video titled “Say Goodbye with a Smile”, which beautifully captured how he felt about the temporary hiatus. He started his military enlistment on April 18, 2019, where he trained at the Nonsan Army Recruit Training Center in South Chungcheong Province, so fingers crossed he’ll return soon! But for the meantime, here are some of his shows to watch until then:
