We saw many celebs come back from the army this year, including So Jisub, Jang Hyuk, Yoon Kae Sang, Song Seung Heon, Jisung to name a few, but there are more than dozen celebs who still have to serve in the near future. These celebs include Gong You, Sung She Kyung, Kim Jung Min, HaHa, Kangta, Eric, Lee Minwoo, Kim Dong Wan, etc, but since they are all at the height of their career, they are all trying their hardest to delay their enlistment.
Gong You was scheduled to start serving this May, but he delayed it to film Coffee Prince. Similarly, Sung She Kyung had start serving on May 29th, but he delayed it using his graduate school as an excuse. Koyote’s Kim Jung Min and HaHa aren’t enlisting either. Kim has a bad back and Haha is at the height of his career.
Shinhwa members are also counting down to their enlistment dates. The exact dates are unknown since they are currently busy with their solo activities, but the clock’s ticking and these celebs can’t avoid it any longer. So the question is, out of all these celebs, who do you think will enlist first?
I thought Dongwan didnt have to go because he’s an only child. Please correct me if I’m wrong. This military stuff confuses me. If Kim Jong Min can not go because of his back, then shouldn’t Eric be able to decline also? (As you can see, I am a Shinhwa fan) I do think it’s noble that they all serve.
What’s the worry? They’ll probably end up singing and dancing in one of those ridiculous “Entertainment Brigades” while the common folks put their lives on the line actually defending the country.
Didn’t something happen with Jang Woo Hyuk’s thing also? something about his foot -___- or some body part.
HaHa probably won’t go until Moohandojun gets bad ratings. although they did mention in one episode that it would be sad without him being there
and all that stuff with Psy Kang Sung Hoon Lee Jae Jin… and some other guy.. what happened to them? do they have to redo their 2 year service?
just go and get it over with people.
wait hey infiniti512 is eric hurt? something’s wrong with some body part?
I agree with daneil …just go and do it and get it over with and put it behind you instead of letting it linger over your head each day.
Can I go? I want to see Jin Hwan! j/k
I wish so bad to be station in Korea but no U.S. Navy duty station there.
I’ll settle for Japan I guess.
They should send all the Shinhwa guys all at once. Not really…ok now I’m just rambliing.
I’ll shut up now
Yeah, eric hurt his back during fliming drama wolf. I think he should fully recover 1st b4 he go 2 military. Btw what is d max age 4 d military?
u hav to go do the military thingy before u r 28 but many gets the notices ~25
Out of your entire list.. Gong You, Sung She Kyung, Kim Jung Min, HaHa, Kangta, Eric, Lee Minwoo, Kim Dong Wan,
Only KangTa is the one that I’m not a huge fan of… I’ll be so sad once they leave. 2 years is such a long time and I really hope that they don’t all leave around the same time because I’ll truly be depressed.
I think Gong Yoo might be the first to leave. He only has to wait till Coffee Prince finishes up in a few months and then he’ll probably go. SSK still has an album + promotions to do before leaving. KJM.. not sure. HaHa has his show. KangTa.. maybe he’ll leave too. Not sure what he’s up to. Eric, Minwoo, and Dong Wan all have their solo things + last Shinhwa album before military time to do.. so yeah. Either KangTa or Gong Yoo will leave first. Just my guess.
Kim Jung Min will go to the army around august, in fact he have delayed his departure becoz of the promotion of the new album of koyote.
2 years???? O_o I can understand them!
omgosh!! kim jung min is going?…its gonna be so UN-funny without him around.
i read that Eric will be leaving in December…=S I cried when I read about it, I don’t want him to leave! but if he does have to leave, I hope he goes with Dongwan and minwoo…and kangta? wow everyones leaving…
how about rain when we’ll he be going to army?
i will miss kim jongmin when he goes ㅠㅠ
but yeah they should get over it^^
What does Haha do anyway? He seems to have a niche of being on a lot of shows being not very funny and looking hung over.
I heard he is some kind of singer or something too, but never seen him doing that.
if people have had a major injury, i think they still have to go, but they can get away with doing desk type jobs, i think that’s what Kim Jong Kook is doing atm.
but i thought kangta didn’t have to go to service ’cause he won some kind of international award… or did that happen in my dream? which would be kinda odd since i’m not even a fan… XD
Whens Kim Jong Kook returning????!!!
After Que Sera Sera, I’ve become a huge admirer of Eric Mun, the actor. So if he leaves after QSS without any other new acting jobs, I’ll be so crushed. I hope he will give us another acting role before he leaves.
Didn’t he give up his US citizenship to work and serve in Korea? (At the back of my head, a selfish tiny voice kept asking why he gave up his US citizenship?) But since he chose to have a career in Korea and live there long-term, I guess it makes sense for him to forgo his US citizenship to be a full Korean citizen including the obligations as a korean man there.
OH…HA HA hasn’t been in the army yet?? LOL!!!! He is going to be miserable…lolssss
going to the army is not so easy.there are many horror stories about men who go and commit suicide because it is so hard. just because they are celebreties they wont get special treatment. daneil i dont know if you are korean or not but the korean population the men hate going to the army. it just that they are celebs its so magnified. so please think before you speak.
also you have to go for 3 years. so it isn’t some camp like thing where you go for like a month its three years of tedious training.
I was just about to say why does Eric have to serve, but then after reading ginnie’s comment. I didn’t know he gave up his US citizenship. I would give up mine US Citizenship and move if all my friends and family moved along with me(haha wishful thinking).
I personally don’t support war in general, but here in the US some years ago ppl were drafted to go and now we have another war and ppl choose to go on their own accord. Just because I live in the US I shouldn’t expect everywhere else to be the same. The fact the S.Korea makes it mandatory to serve 2yrs makes me realize although I dislike the idea of war, deep down I can process(to my brain lol)that its necessary in the world we live in, its inevitably unavoidable.
Honestly I look at it this way…who is going to fight for the country if they get attacked?? Thats the problem with the US its such an open field and civilians don’t know how to fight. I mean look at Israel…everyone has to fight and do service in the military there men and women. You can’t sit and eat ice cream all the time while there are people that have to deal with this issue everyday its better to prepare and be safe. I know that shit sucks but at least in Korea from what I understand they have a family and all for one mentality in the US please there is so much racism and hot shots that like to abuse children I wouldn’t want to serve here.
I think people should chill. They will serve when they think the time is right. The army isn’t a joke. It’s easy to say they should hurry up and go when you don’t have to go. They are probably scared out of there minds. I would be if I had to do that. Some of you are talking like the army is a gym. It’s not and it will never be, especially in a time of war.
To Brian to responded here….why make it seem like they have it easier? They all go through the same training and I’m sorry to say that the Entertainment Brigade is NOT made of all celebrities…there are many regular citizens there as well ~ so are you going to call them useless in the Korean army? Sorry just thought your comment was ignorant.
Anyways…I have no idea who will go first. I thought Sung Si Kyung’s last album was the one he just released…before he goes to the army that is so….yea no idea.
I think what Veronica said makes sense. Just because there are celebrities that misused their fame and status, it does not mean that all celebrities do.
The media is kind of harsh because some celebrities were caught cheating the system. Now the media seems to be keeping tab on any celebrities that will be serving in the army soon. I think this news coverage gets attention of many. They are looking for the “A-HA! You are caught!” moments. Even the readers are looking for faults to see that these celebrities don’t get away.
If the media finds any hanky-panky, they are able to sell their newspapers/magazines etc etc. I think these celebrities pending army obligations should be extra cautious about what they say on their army dates etc. Not saying anything and not promising anything will be best.
I bet there are normal everyday people that will choose to avoid this if they could. Going to school overseas and then prolonging their stay overseas is one way. I know of people like that e.g. Taiwanese, Korean. But these avoidances don’t sell news like celebrities do.
There’s no need. N & S Korea will soon be Korea
Think positive
ummm. Kim Jong Kook is returing may 28, 2008. =)
hehe i never forgot that date. =)
soo rain? did he go yet?
So question about other Shinhwa members. I know that Junjin delayed his service. Does Andy have to serve or is he a US cit. Also, I heard somewhere that Hyesung dosen’t have to serve. Does anyone know why?
A lot of varity shows are going to be boring for the next two years without Ha Ha.
dude. they should just freakin go. height of career or no.
i don’t think that dong wan is an only child?? i think he has a younger brother and sister. jun jin isn’t going because i think there’s something wrong with his eye.
Come 2 think about it they all hav 2 serve when its time. I know its hard but its mandatory. See so ji sup he look fine after d army even more. But i will surely miss eric.. Hope he act or release an album b4 he go. Can we send letter 2 them at d army?
If d person is d only child then he dont hv 2 go, why? And if d person is sick or gt some prob did they wait until they recover then after that they hv 2 serve? Since it mandatory.. Hmm vry curious..
^I can’t even understand what you’re saying?? Is that even English??
When is Rain going to do his military duty? I really want to Rain to GO AWAY. Can’t stand him! And what about Lee Junki? I actually don’t mind Lee Junki, but I’m curious about this military duty–isn’t he the age for that?
people mentioned the horror stories about this. in fairness, they’re always nice to celebs. they have to be - if a famous person has a bad time they’ll yell about it when they get out and people will actually listen.
i can understand about wanting to go at the right time… But putting it off forever doesn’t seem like the right option. If you’re 30+ when you get out it’ll be harder to restart your career, the young audience is just mean like that :\
(god i hope that made sense, i’m typing on half and hours sleep here xD)
what about mc mong? did he go to the army yet? he also seems to be at the height of his career . . .
2 Years Minimum Military Service before the age of 30
Eric Mun signed up for 2008 (i think he’s planning on leaving in the fall?)
If you have a hurt something…you can work behind the scenes in like…an office, like kim jong kook, however you will still have to train vigorously with the guys
Kim Jong Kook should be back in late spring 2008
I’m thinking Hyun Bin oppa is going to have to go within 5 years………………………………….
And Joo Ji Hoon as well….
But hecks, i’m really excited JiSung, Song Seung Heon, and jo Ji Sub is back!!!!!
wait a minute, what about uhhh…what’s his name…those two guys who acted in daisy…did they go…they’re over 30+
hmmmmmm
kyff,
I heard a different story. *Well..rumors it may be.
Celebrities are treated indifferently or poorly because people in there make a conscious effort to try not to treat them better due to their status. Not sure…I haven’t heard that they treat celebrities better? I think the older you are, the harsher time people might treat you in there (well this is what I heard about Taiwanese army…
i agree that they should just get it over with. seriously, fans are always at the edge of their seat because they kept on pushing back their enlistment date.
as much as i’m gonna miss my shinhwa oppas, hopefully there will be a huge fanbase waiting for them when they come back after 2 years ^^
They should just go ahead and get it over with. Seriously two years is not a big deal compare to the States where you sign 4 to 8 years or practically your whole life away. Probably their basic training will not be as long as the States. As for special treatment no one gets special treatment because it is suppose to prepare you for war. Anyways, good luck to everyone who has to go and if I can make it you can to.
The US is voluntary, it’s mandatory here.. big difference.
^Exactly.
Add to the list– Jo In Sung, & Bi (who some have already mentioned) As much as I don’t want to see it, it probably is best if they get it over & done with. Leaving at the height of your popularity leaves a craving impression w/ the fans- it’ll have them hanging desperately for your discharge (as the likes of SSH & SJS have shown)
Leaving when your career is sliding- ppl may not be as interested in your return…
Basically, the concepts is the same…Serve your country. Even superstar rating goes down no matter even if they serve or not.
Although I dont think S. Korea should make Military training compulsory, I think they should get it over with as well. Of cos, it’s easier for us to sit here and say it. If I had to go, I’d be delaying as well. As a star, they may have to start all over again after disappearing for 2 years.
Considering S. Korea’s turbulent past, I dont blame the govern for imposing this law. Check Korea’s war history and you’ll see that they were attacked from ALL sides…China, Japan, N. Korean, Russia….everyone. U.S. helping them out with the ‘Forgotten War’
Sigh….it’s a chicken and egg situation. I mean, what if N. Korea goes nuts again?
I don’t want Sung Si Kyung to go. I don’t want RAIN to go. I don’t want HaHa to go.
I think the Stars should just go & get it over & done with…They should be honoured & proud to be serving & protecting their Country.
In Singapore it is also compulsory for all the guys to serve their National Service for 2yrs but not all will serve in the Army…Some will be placed in the Police Force or Civil Defence (E.g Firefighter,Paramedics)Most will be called to serve their National Service after Secondary School (same as HighSchool)which is at the age of 18 but most will request for a delay/refer cause they want to further their studies first…
Kim Jongmin will be going to the Army in Aug i think…? cos he requested for a delay of 6 months to treat his spinal injury(Spinal disc)he sustained few years back…
noo not my shinhwa guys!
I heard Tei was going to the army too. Anyone know when? Too bad, i’ll really miss him! i_i
I don’t know bout u guys but I think serving in the army (yes its a challenge, yes its hard), is a great way to serve your country. You must protect what you love and your homeland to ensure that future generations will be able to live in a hopefully peaceful world.
As the great Kennedy once said, “ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.
Just my 2 cents
In the past celebs want to postpone their enlistment dates because it takes them away from their career since they are at the peak of their careers - although entertainment industry seems glamourous, it isn’t a stable career. — I give it up for those celebs who enlist in the army without the fuss or drama just to go. Plus, what is more dignified is seeing the celebs take on higher positions, for example Won Bin, before he was discharged due to a knee injury.
I wonder about when or if Lee Ji-hoon and Shin Hye Sung are going to be going too?
This might be a random question…but have you seen women enlist in the military in Korea?
In the past, celebs postpone their enlistment dates because it takes them away from their career since they are at the peak of their careers - although entertainment industry seems glamourous, it isn’t a stable career. — I give it up for those celebs who enlist in the army without the fuss or drama just to go. Plus, what is more dignified is seeing the celebs take on higher positions, for example Won Bin, before he was discharged due to a knee injury.
I wonder about when or if Lee Ji-hoon and Shin Hye Sung are going to be going too?
This might be a random question…but have you seen women enlist in the military in Korea?
I’m going to miss Gong You!!!! But’s it’s all for the best… I hope he comes back safe and sound, that’s all… I don’t know how Joo Ji-hun’s going to survive the army. I’m a big fan of Coffee Prince!!! And i can’t believe i won’t be seeing Gong You for 2 years, it’s so sad… Hope he knows he’s got a Malaysian fan…
The national service here is only three months and people are randomly selected to go for it, girls and guys… Some of my friends think of it as an adventure holiday… But 2 years of gruelling army training is no joke.
Here is my thought. Those that are really talented and have true fans will still have that when they come back from the military.
If they actually see war during their 2 years, I can see why they would want to post-pone their enlistment. If they are in peacetimes, it should not be a problem. Military is a hard life but it is worse when you are in it during war time. I know because I was active duty during the Gulf War so I can understand the hesitation.
I would really hate to see these guys go especially since I just only recently got into K-pop.
I did not realize that Eric had given up his US Citizenship, but isn’t Andy a citizen also? Did Micky Yoochun give up his also or is he still US citizen?
i think the singapore system is better in that the guys serve when they’re ard 18 or 19, also for 2 years. that way you finish it b4 u start uni/your career so it wont get in the way like these poor Korean stars. oh well.
They should go if the law states they have to then they should but for Kim Jong Min of Koyote he did enlist and go but because he had a bad back he did not do anything that was too strenuous in other words he was still in the army but with a less harder job and for that matter I’m really shocked at Shinhwa they told their fans that they will enlist into the army but now it seems their words are mixed. At the highest point in their career they promised to their fans and to each other that they will forever stay as Shinhwa even when they have to go to the Army
Everybody should have to serve their country in some capacity, the issue at had really is the stuckness of Korean system in the way they think about,”service”. They should look at how their nation can be best served by each citizen on an individual basis.
“Sung She Kyung had start serving on May 29th, but he delayed it using his graduate school as an excuse.”
tsk tsk, since when has education become an “excuse”? graduate school with a full-time day job is no breeze. I speak from experience. nobody in the right mind would use that as an excuse for the inevitable.
Pursuit of higher education is admirable.
What is wrong with some of you? All of them WILL GO to the military! It is the law they can’t avoid it.
But who are you peole to order and demand them that they have to go NOW or even better yesterday???!!!
It is their choice if they want to delay it and it would be their choice if they wanted to go now or two years ago. No one can decide it for them. No one has the right to decide it for them when is the time for them to seve.
When a person goes to the army it is their personal coice when exactly they are going to serve (like the law states before they are 30 two years).
Why treat celebrities differently just because they are celebreties? Ordinary citincenzs can decide when they are going to serve and no one will cirticise them over it if they go when they are 21 or 24 or 28 ect. They will go, they know it everyone knows it so there is no fuss over it.
Same should be also for celebrities. They will go. And it is their choice when exactly that happens. An no one has the right to tell otherwise.
Not some whiny fan or stranger sitting cozily behind their computer who does not have to go in to the army themselves.
Its their lives so its their choice.
annakas
i think they should just get over it…i mean, they would only be there for 2 years or so…after that, they’ll be back…and when they come back, news of them coming back would be all over the newspaper and they will have new offers….i mean, it’s not like they would be gone and won’t come back…like kim jong kook…he’ll be coming back soon…but shihwa’s fun and so does haha…i won’t see them in variety shows anymore…so sad…it’s a good thing jaejoong won’t serve the army…
oh well, all of them would serve the army anyway…i mean, nobody could disagree with it…let’s just wait for them, 2 years is not that long…and they are doing the good thing…not taking it and keep on delaying it is just being irresponsible citizen of Korea…wahaha….
it’s a good thing i need not to go to the army…but i want to join the marine or air force…it would be cool…
for what i know, most of the shinhwa members except hye sung will be enlisted in march 2008.. however, as eric is now injured, he MAY be exempted, like hye sung
will lee dong wook be enlisted next year as well?!!
if so i’ll miss him… 2 years is a very long period…
well when duty calls.. they must fulfill it…
Yeah! It is not a good example for these celebs to delay their enlistment!
Jang Hyuk is said to be at the most famous Military dating site http://www.UniformedCupid.com . I am his fans. I will check him here and chat with him online!
all my uncles and my dad went to the army when they lived in Korea and the truth is, if they have a bad back that restricts them from doing strenuous things like training then they get desk jobs regardless of health and stuff if they are physically fit then they go and start training but for instance Shin Hyesung from Shinhwa he has a bad back so he is exempted from enlistment