He’s back! On November 30, actor Jung Il-woo (Cinderella and the Four Knights, Records of a Night Watchman) completed his compulsory military duty as a public service officer. He served at a care center for the elderly in Seocho-gu, Seoul. The official discharge date would have been December 2, but, as it fell on a weekend, the end date was adjusted to November 30.
Owing to his popularity both within Korea and overseas, numerous fans and reporters were present. The actor greeted the crowd to thank them for coming to see him, smiling and saying, “I say hello to you after two years. During my time of service to the elderly, I experienced and learned a lot about myself, Jung Il-woo, as a person and not as the actor Jung Il-woo. I think it’ll be a great foundation to my life as an actor going forward. I am truly thankful to all my peers and all those around me during the last 2 years.”
Back in 2016, on December 8, Jung Il-woo enlisted quietly at the Nonsan Army Training Center in Chungnam. After completing 4 weeks of basic training, he was stationed to work in public service.
Jung had previously been in a car accident in 2006 in which he sustained several serious injuries, including injuries to his wrist and pelvic bone. He suffered as well from concussion, hemorrhaging in the brain, and showed symptoms of selective amnesia. He was later diagnosed with cerebral aneurysm. Although he had sufficient grounds to request exemption from army service, instead of asking for an exemption, he chose to go into public service and worked hard to do his part in serving the country.
Before his discharge, Jung Il-woo confirmed his first post-army project: new SBS drama, Haechi, which is being planned to air in February next year. He will be playing the lead role of Prince Yeoning, also known as Lee Geum. The character is described as exceptionally intelligent and showing level-headed judgment. However, he struggles to receive recognition from others due to his birth status as half commoner and half noble. He will be working with Go Ara (Miss Hammurabi, Black) and Kwon Yul (Whisper, Bring it On Ghost).
It’s been a long two years and I’m super excited to see Jung Il-woo in anything at this point. His pre-army projects were pretty disappointing, unfortunately, and so I’m really hoping that Haechi will be a good one! Please, please be good!
