Now that filming has wrapped up for his breakthrough drama, Choi Si Won is preparing to report for military duty. According to the Korean media outlet The Star, Choi is scheduled to report on November 19.
Thanks to his performance as the charismatic quirky reporter Kim Shin Hyuk in "She Was Pretty" the Super Junior singer and actor has a few more fans to anticipate his comeback.
"I didn't know that I would become this loved for "She Was Pretty." I am happy to have done a good job before going away on duty. I'll be back."
He credits his success in the drama with the lines that the screenwriter gave him.
"It was nice because I got to say witty lines from Jack Sparrow or Tony Stark," he said referring to the characters in "Pirates of the Caribbean" and "Iron Man."
But in another interview he admitted that the character of Kim Shin Hyuk was not too different from the way he is in real life.
"I'm not that different in real life from the funny character I played, so I felt comfortable in the part," he said.
And it was exactly his goofy charm that convinced viewers to join Team Siwon.
Choi will serve his military duty as a conscripted policeman, which is one of several ways to serve the two-year mandatory military duty required of all able-bodied Korean males. He's the seventh Super Junior member to enlist.
He said he was unsure whether to take the role so soon before enlisting but it worked out well.
"Now I'm glad I did," Choi said. "I was happy I was Shin Hyuk."
His co-star Hwang Jung Eum sent a message of support when she appeared on the Naver V app.
"Choi Si Won will enlist soon," she said. "My little brother, stay safe while serving in the military."
She also had some kind words about her co-star.
"Choi Si Won, he's really lovely. His people skills are amazing."
Choi made his acting debut in 2004 when he appeared in the drama "Precious Family." His dramas include "Oh My Lady," "Athena, Goddess of War" and "The King of Dramas." Choi will enlist without any official events for fans or reporters. According to SM Entertainment, he expressed his desire to enlist quietly.
Stay safe Choi Si Won! And hurry back.
