Actor Lee Jong-suk leaves for alternative military service

Lee Jong-suk will undertake alternative military service until Jan. 2, 2021. / Korea Times file

By Jung Hae-myoung

Actor Lee Jong-suk began his alternative military service on Friday, leaving his latest drama series 'Romance Is a Bonus Book' behind.

A traffic accident a several years ago permanently damaged one of Lee's knees, giving him a grade four in his military physical examination. According to military law, men with a grade four or higher are assigned to reservist duty, mostly in the public service.

Lee will work at a social institution first and then receive military training for four weeks. Lee Min-ho, another actor, famous for 'Boys over Flowers' also started working in the public service before he went to boot camp.

“I will sincerely do my best in my military duty,” A-man Project, Lee's management company, quoted the actor as saying.

Lee has decided not to disclose where he will perform his duty and when he will start.

He finished filming 'Romance' on Feb. 27, and the crew had an after-party on Thursday that Lee could not attend before his enlistment.

Lee debuted in 2005 as a fashion model and started his acting career in 2010 with the drama series 'Princess Prosecutor'. He rose to hallyu stardom after his success in hit dramas 'I Can Hear Your Voice', 'Pinnochio' and 'W'.

Lee's date of discharge from service is Jan. 2, 2021.