JYJ member Kim Jun-su discharged from military

Kim Jun-su, a member of boy band JYJ, salutes fans after he is formally discharged after serving the country's mandatory military duty in Suwon, just south of Seoul, Monday. The singer fulfilled the duty as a policeman at a regional police agency.

By Kang Aa-young

K-pop and musical icon Kim Jun-su, 31, also known by his stage name Junsu, was discharged from mandatory military service, Monday. The member of K-pop trio JYJ was discharged from Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency, where he served as a public worker in substitution for his military service.

Some 500 foreign and Korean fans gathered outside the district office building, waiting for him against a strong wind.

Fans waved placards reading “Welcome back, Xia Junsu,” when the singer walked out of the building in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, about 45 kilometers south of Seoul. Some fans reportedly spent the night in front of the building to show their support for Kim.

“For me, the last year and nine months has been a time to learn many things. I will use this experience as a stepping stone to continue living as an exemplary citizen,” Kim said, thanking the hundreds of people gathered amid chilly weather.

Fans greet actor-singer Kim Jun-su after Kim was discharged from his mandatory military service at Gyeonggi Nambu Province Police Agency in Suwon, Monday. Yonhap

A loud applause came from the crowd and Kim replied with a salute.

"The very first thing I should do now is to repay loyal fans' support by performing on stage," he said while appreciating those who gathered for him.

He declined to comment on his immediate plans.

“I could see police officers' efforts to keep society safe while I spent my time here. I will use this chance to contribute to society as a citizen,” he said.

Kim debuted as an original member of the five-member boy band TVXQ in 2003 and immediately drew public recognition. However, the group plunged into legal turmoil and the current JYJ members including Park Yoo-chun, Kim Jae-joong and Kim himself split from their former agency SM Entertainment and formed JYJ in 2010. The group name JYJ is taken from the initial letters of each member's names.

Currently, the group is managed by C-JeS Entertainment. Successfully beginning his solo career in 2010 both in the musical and theater scenes, Kim is considered to be one of the best-selling singers-turned-musical actors.