Popular Idol-Turned-Actor Reveals Hard-Core Enlistment Plans, Only To Be Told “Absolutely Not”
In the latest episode of “Jaefriends,” host Kim Jaejoong sat down with fellow idol and actor Lee Junyoung of When Life Gives You Tangerines and Weak Hero Class 2 fame. In the episode, Lee Junyoung addressed his fans’ long-standing curiosity about when he would enlist to complete his military duty.
While discussing Lee Junyoung’s recent K-Drama hits, Kim Jaejoong complimented the idol and noted, “I can’t wait to see how far you’ll go.” Lee Junyoung responded that he would like to work harder before going off to the military—catching Kim Jaejoong by surprise.
Kim Jaejoong: I can’t wait to see how far Junyoung will go. I really look forward to it!
Lee Junyoung: Yeah, I’ll work hard before the army!
Kim Jaejoong: Has that been announced yet?!
Lee Junyoung: No, not yet. It’s not set yet, but probably next year.
Lee Junyoung added that he is aware of his fans’ concerns about the topic and shared that, while no specific dates have yet been set, he is considering enlisting sometime in 2026.
At my recent fan meeting, fans seemed worried. They kept asking, “When are you leaving?” They were afraid that I might take off suddenly. When I read their letters at the fan meeting, three out of four were about the army. So, this year I’ll work hard, and next year I’ll pick a good day and time to enlist and be on my way!
— Lee Junyoung
To Lee Junyoung contemplating enlisting in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC), Kim Jaejoong strongly opposed the idea. Still, Lee Junyoung seemed pretty certain about his decision to pursue serving his duty, hard-core bad*ss level!
Kim Jaejoong: OK, but don’t say anymore on camera!
Lee Junyoung: Oh, but everyone already knows…
Kim Jaejoong: …About the Marines?
Lee Junyoung: Yeah!
Kim Jaejoong: [Sighs]
Lee Junyoung: [To the camera] Jaejoong-hyung says he will never let me enlist in the Marines.
Kim Jaejoong: Absolutely not. I don’t want you getting hurt.
Lee Junyoung: Ah, I’ll be fine. I promise I won’t get hurt.
Marines or not, Lee Junyoung is already pretty bad*ss. Read more about the time he chased down a drunk driver and handed him over to the police:
Popular “Weak Hero” Actor Is An Actual Hero—But Here’s Why He Turned Down The “Model Citizen Award”
