Actor Hong Jong-hyun returns to civilian life

Actor Hong Jong-hyun has been discharged from the military. Courtesy of C-JeS Entertainment

By Dong Sun-hwa

Actor Hong Jong-hyun has been discharged from the military after completing his mandatory 18-month duty in the army.

Hong, 31, was officially discharged on Thursday, without returning to his military base following his final leave. In the wake of the global health crisis, more men ― including D.O. of K-pop boy band EXO and Yoon Ji-sung, former member of the now-defunct project group Wanna One ― these days are asked to return to civilian life immediately after their final leave to curb the further spread of the virus.

“I did face some difficulties while being enlisted, but all these translated into a valuable experience,” Hong said through his management company, C-JeS Entertainment, Thursday. “The letters from my fans encouraged me a lot and helped me safely complete my duty.”

He added, “Numerous people must have gone through tough times (due to the COVID-19 pandemic), so I wish more pleasant things will happen to them from now on. As for me, I will actively get involved in various activities so that people will find me in many different areas.”

C-Jes elaborated that Hong will begin reviewing various scripts as he prepares his return to the screen.

Hong made his showbiz debut as a professional model in 2007 and began forging an acting career in 2008. Since then, he has been featured in several dramas such as “Oh! My Lady” (2010) and “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” (2016). He also appeared in films like “Enemies In-Law” (2015) and “Alice: Boy from Wonderland” (2015), before joining the army in December, 2019.

Along with Kim Young-kwang and Lee Soo-hyuk, Hong is often identified as one of the most successful stars who transitioned from modeling to acting.