What was Yeo Jin-goo doing at the Korean Military English Speaking Competition?

Yeo served as the host of the 26th Korean Military English Speaking Competition. U.S. Judge Kirsten Brunson said she met him at the event, where she was serving as a judge.

When did Yeo Jin-goo enlist in KATUSA?

Yeo enlisted in KATUSA on Dec. 15 last year and is currently completing his mandatory military service. His appearance at the competition came nearly 11 months after he enlisted.

What is KATUSA, where Yeo Jin-goo is serving?

KATUSA, or Korean Augmentation to the United States Army, is a program in which Korean soldiers serve alongside U.S. military personnel.

Yeo Jin-goo surprises fans with bulked-up physique in military uniform

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Summary

Actor Yeo Jin-goo appeared at the 26th Korean Military English Speaking Competition at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, nearly 11 months after enlisting. Serving as the event’s host and a KATUSA member, he drew attention for his more muscular physique in military uniform. Photos of him at the event were shared online after U.S. Judge Kirsten Brunson posted them on LinkedIn. Yeo enlisted on Dec. 15 last year and is fulfilling his mandatory military service.

Key Facts

Brunson said she attended the competition as a judge and met Yeo there.
Brunson said she was a fan of Yeo and liked his performances in The Crowned Clown and Hotel Del Luna.
KATUSA is a program in which Korean soldiers serve alongside U.S. military personnel.

By Xportsnews

Published Nov 12, 2026 4:24 pm KST

Yeo Jin-goo / Xportsnews, captured from U.S. Judge Kirsten Brunson's social media

Actor Yeo Jin-goo has made a rare public appearance nearly 11 months after enlisting in the military, drawing attention with his noticeably more muscular physique.

On Wednesday, photos of Yeo during his military service surfaced on online communities after U.S. Judge Kirsten Brunson shared them on LinkedIn.

Brunson said she attended the 26th Korean Military English Speaking Competition as a judge at Camp Humphreys, a major U.S. military installation in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province.

She also met Yeo, who served as the event's host, and shared her excitement as a fan of the actor.

She said she really liked him in the dramas “The Crowned Clown” and “Hotel Del Luna.”

The photos show Yeo wearing a military uniform and combat cap while serving as a member of KATUSA, or Korean Augmentation to the United States Army, a program in which Korean soldiers serve alongside U.S. military personnel.

Yeo drew attention for his broader shoulders and noticeably bulked-up physique compared with his appearance before enlistment. He also appeared in good spirits, flashing a bright smile and making a finger-heart gesture for the camera.

Yeo enlisted in KATUSA on Dec. 15 last year and is currently fulfilling his mandatory military service.

This article from Xportsnews was adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.

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