Sources told The Korea Herald that singer-actor Kim Hyun Joong will be enlisting in the military in March 2015.
Has the date been pushed up because of his recent scandal?
In April of 2014, the 28-year-old singer was interviewed on the KBS show "The Age of Feeling" and said that he planned to enlist in two years. All Korean males between the ages of 18 and 35 must serve two years of mandatory military duty.
"I'm planning to enlist when I'm 30," he said. "Some people might not be so fond of the fact that I'm enlisting so late. It's because of my career as an entertainer, but I still want to apologize. I was waiting for the right time and I will surely be enlisting now."
Many entertainers delay their enlistment dates because the years between 18 and 35 are often the busiest and most lucrative time of their career. But Kim Hyun Joong was involved in a scandal this summer and it may now be seen as a smart move to push up his enlistment date, even by as little as a year.
While Kim Hyun Joong was already committed to his world tour, with personal appearances scheduled in Thailand, China, Peru, Mexico and Japan, this summer's scandal could make it difficult for the star to land new drama roles or advertising deals.
Kim is currently under investigation for allegedly beating his ex-girlfriend. While he was on his tour this summer, that girlfriend filed assault charges against him, alleging that he assaulted her on several occasions. She supplied photographs to document injuries she says occurred after one fight. Kim Hyun Joong admitted to one physical fight but denied any other incident. The ex-girlfriend asked for an apology. After he publicly and privately apologized to her, she withdrew the charges. But since he admitted to one charge, the police are still investigating the case. Kim Hyun Joong could still face prosecution.
According to TV Report, Kim Hyun Joong received a notice to report for military duty for Oct. 10, 2014, but at that time he asked to postpone his enlistment. However, the source told the Korea Herald this week that the star of "Inspiring Generation," "Playful Kiss" and "Boys Over Flowers" is now rearranging his modeling and performing schedules so that he can serve in the spring.
Kim Hyun Joong's management agency KeyEast denied that the actor had set a specific enlistment date.