Song Joong Ki is a free man. On May 26, fans and flashing cameras greeted the 29-year-old actor at the completion ceremony for his mandatory 21-month military duty.
According to the Korean media outlet Newsen, receiving so much attention after two years of serving as an ordinary soldier left him dazed and emotional.
"I'm a bit dazed seeing so many cameras for the first time in a while," he said. "Thank you all for coming all the way out here to see me. I'm not sure if I am causing any inconvenience. I'm greeting you after a long time. I'm sergeant Song Joong Ki."
He said that his fans were a source of strength during his time in the military.
"My fans provided me with the most strength during my military service. Speaking to the fans is making me choke up. Thank you very much. I think the only way to repay the love of my fans is to try even harder from now on."
When asked what was most difficult about his time in the service, he said that none of it was really that difficult but he did miss the people he was closest to.
"I really missed my managers and agency staff," he said. "I missed my family and friends. I missed Lee Kwang Soo a lot, too."
He and Lee Kwang Soo have been best friends since Song appeared on the variety show "Running Man" in 2010. He left the show in 2011.
While he served Song Joong Ki did not want any special treatment because he was a celebrity. The actor enlisted at the 102nd draft camp in Chuncheon and served his time in the Reconnaissance Corps. This potentially dangerous assignment required intensive training. The Army recognized his service and he was asked to host a special promotional event in China for the Ministry of National Defense.
The news of his military enlistment in 2013 also managed to make him money. In 2013 the actor received more than 10 offers for TV commercials. He signed contracts for commercials featuring cosmetics, sporting goods and phones, earning about $500,000 for each modeling contract.
He recently donated $100,000 to the relief efforts for earthquake victims in Nepal.
Song Joong Ki is leaving his military service to play a Special Forces officer in the drama "Descendents of the Sun" with co-star Song Hy Kyo. He will take a week or two off to spend with friends and family before he begins filming.
Song previously appeared in the dramas "Nice Guy," "Deep-Rooted Tree" and "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" and the film "A Werewolf Boy."
Welcome back Song Joong Ki!
