Actor Lee Jung Jae recently shared insights into his decision to enlist in the military at the peak of his career.

During an episode on singer Sung Si-kyung's YouTube show, Lee Jung Jae revealed that he joined the military in 1995 because his hectic work schedule was taking a toll on him.

Despite achieving success through various commercials, dramas like 'Sandglass' and 'Feelings', and movies such as 'The Young Man', Lee Jung Jae decided to enlist amidst his rise to stardom.

"I was filming 'Sandglass' during the day, 'The Young Man' at night, and 'Feelings' the next morning. I was sleep-deprived,"

-Lee Jung Jae

When asked about this unconventional choice, he humorously mentioned needing a break from his busy routine as a reason for choosing military service.

"I could've postponed it further, but my schedule was packed at the time. I was busy every day, with no time to rest. So, I thought, why not join the military to get some rest?"

-Lee Jung Jae

At just 22 years old at the time, Lee described how even the slightest pressure on his arms felt unbearable, making him fear for his health.

The constant strain led him to believe that he was on the brink of collapsing under the intense pressure.

It was this realization that ultimately influenced his decision when he received an enlistment notice - feeling that joining the military was necessary for his survival as he could no longer sustain such a strenuous lifestyle.

"I was just 22 at the time, but even the slightest pressure on my arms felt like my bones were about to snap. I thought to myself, 'I might really collapse like this.' It felt like a real possibility. So when I received my enlistment notice, I thought, 'I have to go to the military so that I can keep myself alive. I can't survive like this any longer out here.'"

- Lee Jung Jae

Acknowledging the toll that his demanding workload took on both his physical and mental well-being, Lee Jung Jae's candid revelations shed light on the challenges faced by actors behind the scenes.

Despite reaching great heights in his career, this glimpse into Lee's past struggles serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in pursuit of success in the entertainment industry.

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Written by Joan Cabigas