K-drama ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’ star Kang Tae-oh enlists in the military: 'I'll be back'


Korean actor Kang Tae-oh, who became popular through the hit Korean drama “Extraordinary Attorney Woo,” enlisted in the military on Sept. 20.

Sporting a short haircut, Kang Tae-oh entered the 37th Infantry Division recruit training center in Jeungpyeong County, North Chungcheong Province in South Korea, about more than 100 km. from Seoul.

Korean actor Kang Tae-oh in "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" (left) and before entering the military training camp on Sept. 20 (Instagram, screenshot from Pickon video)

The many faces of Kang Tae-oh (Instagram)

Before he entered the training camp, the 28-year-old star greeted fans and the media outside the facility.

Kang Tae-oh will serve as an active duty soldier and will be away for 18 months. He is expected to be discharged in March 2024.

A day before his enlistment, he uploaded photos on Instagram and said goodbye.

"Thank you for so much love and support from many people. I’ll be back well. See you soon,” he posted on Instagram.

All Korean men are required under the law to serve in the military.

During his online fan meeting “TikTok Stage Connect: SweeTaeOh” on Aug. 31, he announced his military enlistment.

“The country is calling me. On Sept. 20, I am going to do my duties,” he said.

He debuted as an actor in 2013 through the Korean series “After School: Lucky or Not.” His other dramas include 'Flower of Queen," "The Tale of Nokdu," "Run On" and "Doom at Your Service."

“Extraordinary Attorney Woo,” which topped the Netflix chart for nine weeks, brought him immense popularity.