We’ve seen a flurry of Korean celebrities conscript this year. From G-Dragon to Sunggyu to Yonghwa, the enlistments were met with tears from fans.
The next celeb to join the army is actor Jang Geun Suk, famous for his roles in “Love Rain” and “You’re Beautiful”. His agency Tree J Company confirmed the news today (Friday, 6th July).
In their statement, they also explained that the actor has bipolar disorder, and thus will be enlisting as a public service worker. He will be bidding goodbye to fans on 16th July.
The statement from Tree J Company reads:
“Jang Geun Suk was determined to be a level 4 soldier due to having bipolar disorder when undergoing the physical examination from the Military Manpower Administration. He will begin his military duties when enlisting on 16th July. Following this he plans on being a public service worker for 2 years. Due to concerns of crowding and causing trouble to others, he planned on enlisting quietly without informing others. However, he wanted to personally inform fans who have supported him and stayed by his side for 27 years. Jang Geun Suk will receive basic training as a public service worker on 16th July and complete the alternative military service for 2 years. He will faithfully complete whatever duties he receives with responsibility.”
While touching on the topic of his bipolar disorder, his agency explained that he was diagnosed in 2011. They said, “Jang Geun Suk was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder at a university hospital in 2011 and has been asked to be re-examined at every physical examination after this one. The actor’s side has never requested a delay in military enlistment; he has faithfully complied with the Military Manpower Association’s requests for re-examination.”
They were cautious in revealing his health status, but wanted to be transparent with his fans. They ended their statement with an apology, saying, “Jang Geun Suk did his best to overcome bipolar disorder and worked very hard to find his own balance even while experiencing side effects from this process. He is sorry that he could not get satisfactory results.”
The “Produce 101” mentor also personally wrote a letter to fans. It read:
“Hi. I’m not sure where to start… I hesitated and worried for a long time. However, more than anything else I think it’s right for me to greet eels (as his fans as known as) first. Let’s say goodbye temporarily. Hello (hello and goodbye are the same in Korean) is a word for when you’re happy to see someone you haven’t met in a long time and it’s also a word for when you feel regret when saying goodbye. This time it’s unfortunately the goodbye type..
Everyone must have prepared their hearts to a certain degree, but now that I said it myself it feels like reality right? It’s a time that has come to me as well and I’m just calmly waiting. I am a bit flustered as I came to go at a much later age than others..^^ When I look back I was able to finish 2017 and start 2018 with you guys. There’s already only half a year left and time is passing quickly as always, so I feel more regret about saying farewell.
I want to spend the 2 years that will be given to me now as a meaningful time. After debuting at a young age, for 27 years I never once rested. I don’t think I ever had time completely to myself.
Remember.. We’re resting briefly. Everyone take care of your health and don’t get sick.. And I love you. And if you cheat, you die.”
All the best during your service, Jang Geunsuk!
