On December 2nd, Hong Jong-hyun enlisted for military service training at the Nonsan Army Recruit Training Center in South Chungcheong province. Before entering the center, the actor has graced his fans and the press a short interview.

Jong-hyun said "I kept on holding of the enlistment because I was scared. A lot of younger soldiers were having a hard time so I thought kind of scared me, but I also thought if I keep delaying it wouldn't be good for me as well. Even though I'm late, I'm really happy that I have already enlisted. My friends also told me that as the days pass, I will just eventually get used to it. Right now, I feel mixed emotions, it all feels unreal and I'm anxious and nervous all at the same time, but I promise myself one thing, that while I'm in there I will live a healthy life."

The actor will spend the rest of 2019 and 2020 inside the training grounds. "I used to spend the holidays at home but this time I'm spending the holidays and my birthday inside the army so it's a pretty cool experience."

He also shared that the last person he saw before deciding to enlist in the military was his good friend Kim Woo-bin. He then said, "Woo-bin is getting ready for his comeback movie. Even if he's busy nowadays, he made sure to see me and told me not to worry. My good friend has indeed cheered me up."

He ended the interview expressing his gratefulness to all of his fans, "I want to say thank you to everyone who has supported me. Though December may get a little bit cold, I promise to return as a healthier and better actor that everyone can look up to. I'll see you soon!"

Watch Hong Jong-hyun's interview video here: