Yoo Seung-ho discharged from army, chooses comeback project
by girlfriday
Aw, look who’s all grown up and coming back from army duty! Okay, so grown-up is a relative term — I mean, he’s only 21 for crying out loud. But still, completing army duty does feel like a distinct adult milestone, which is a first for Yoo Seung-ho (I Miss You, Arang and the Magistrate), a child actor who grew up onscreen in the public eye (his debut was in 2000!). He was discharged from active military duty on December 4, and met press and fans with emotional tears.
Yoo Seung-ho surprised everyone when he quietly went off to basic training in March of last year, wanting to begin his service without a big sendoff. He chose to go to the army much earlier than most actors, who spend as much of their twenties working as possible, while stretching their enlistment dates as far back as they’ll go.
But he obviously doesn’t have the same problem of having been discovered in his twenties, and has more projects under his belt than most working actors who have yet to serve. He returns in the best of circumstances — hungry to work and with his prime drama leading man years ahead of him. Shall we all join hands and give thanks to the drama gods?
His army comeback project will be the movie Joseon Magician, which he’d already been considering among many offers. It’s a young love story between a Joseon princess and a circus magician who meet and fall in love on her way to being sold off as a Qing bride. Go Ara (You’re All Surrounded) is in contention to star as the princess, but still hasn’t confirmed. It’s too bad that he’s doing a movie first — it’ll take so long to actually see him onscreen — but I’m happy about the pairing and looking forward to the youthful romance. Directing is Kim Dae-seung of The Concubine.
Yoo Seung-ho will head out to Japan and China for fan meetings in late December, and Joseon Magician plans to start shooting early in the new year. He said upon returning to civilian life: “My thoughts have changed a lot. I want to become an actor who brings happiness to people. I learned a lot of things and stored many memories. It was a meaningful time for me to reflect on my future.” Welcome back!
Via Osen, Sports Chosun
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Tags: army duty, Yoo Seung-ho
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1 mary
December 4, 2014 at 3:06 AM
Waaah these photos make me tear up.
Go forth and slay noonas, YSH!
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niKai
December 4, 2014 at 7:15 AM
inexplicably, me too, want to tear up. woooo
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amie
December 4, 2014 at 8:08 AM
It's good he enlisted while he is still young now he is out and can just concentrate on his career. But why the tears? was it so gruelling in the army that he is so happy to be back? I hope we was just touched by the warm welcome he got from his fans who were just happy to see him,too.
Good luck on your future endeavors and please dont do anything to your face, it is already perfect.
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Rachel
December 4, 2014 at 9:01 AM
My guess is that it's a mix of relief and happiness. Happiness that he's out of the dreary (maybe difficult?) army life and back to civilian life. And probably relieved and overwhelmingly touched that his fans have not forgotten about him and continue to give so much support. 2 years can be a long time in the K-drama world, stars can be made in that span of time.
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changhyun
December 4, 2014 at 12:47 PM
Taken from the article, he said he wasn't planning to cry but then out came all the trainers, executive officers, and all the people who helped him during his army training and when he saw them walking over to him he burst out crying. Happy tears :)
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kimchikay
December 4, 2014 at 7:43 PM
He's also so young - I mean my baby brother is 21 (yes, to me's a baby) and I can't imagine him going off for 2 years to train with guys close to 30. You're missing out on 2 years of core youth, also you're not as mature so everything does seem like a bigger deal.
Kudos to him, he did it!
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maria
December 4, 2014 at 8:05 PM
i agree with you. there are many things to do during those ages but he hose the diificult way. he is smart enough to think about his career i guess.
at least, he doesn't have to think about the service because he is alredy out and he can concentrate more on his career.
i admire him for being able to bear two years of hardships.
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girlfriday
December 4, 2014 at 9:12 PM
@Kay Oh it's actually the reverse -- most guys go when they're Yoo Seung-ho's age. It's the actors who do the unusual thing and go super late. They're literally stretching the limit as far as it can go legally, while their sunbaes in the army will often be 21-year-olds.
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Blkasian
December 6, 2014 at 8:20 AM
I think he did a really smart thing. Like going to school..just go ahead and get it done and out of the way so you can get on with life...Glad he's back and ready to go.
maria
December 4, 2014 at 8:02 PM
my thoughts exactly! he will definitely slay thousands and thousands of noonas now that he is back. and i am so happy to see him out of the army again makes me wanna cry too.
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2 Jilly
December 4, 2014 at 3:10 AM
Welcome back, Dongsaeng-ah. You look exactly the same ^ ^
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3 happymess
December 4, 2014 at 3:14 AM
Omg, is he crying? How can he be so precious? So glad to have him back and the movie/pairing sounds promising.
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4 pigsnout
December 4, 2014 at 3:19 AM
Poor baby, he's crying....but it is a big milestone and to finish it so young...
May he have a long and successful career (and now to wait till Song Joong Ki comes out too.....yay for the 2013 enlistments ending soon!
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fat_crayon
December 4, 2014 at 7:10 AM
Song Joong ki Song joong Ki Song Joong Ki...continues chanting 100X in anticipation.
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changhyun
December 4, 2014 at 12:47 PM
5 months and counting!
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h3lla
December 4, 2014 at 1:20 PM
0_0 has anyone ever died from waiting? Surely someone has expired from severe Oppa deprivation...
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fab
December 4, 2014 at 10:11 AM
Eventually they all come back to us!
And awww YSH is breaking my heart seeing him so emotional.
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5 Chaerin
December 4, 2014 at 3:24 AM
Yay, I'm so happy he's back. I wish he was doing a drama, because I want to see him on screen asap, but I guess if we've waited two years, we can wait a bit longer!
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6 nobody
December 4, 2014 at 3:27 AM
Welcome back sweetheart. :)
Not going to lie, i'm eager to see him in a new drama but when I see what is scheduled for the next months... I'd rather wait for a good project to land on his lap.
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7 just-a-fan
December 4, 2014 at 3:27 AM
awww!!! i just love him back. poor baby please don't cry now **big bear hugs**
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8 dana
December 4, 2014 at 3:28 AM
please someone make I'm sorry I Love You 2...this young So Ji Sub totally suited Cha Moo Hyuk character..his sad eyes seriously a total killer.
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9 Newbie
December 4, 2014 at 3:35 AM
Since being in the fandom he's the first I saw go and return now. Song Joong Ki will be the next. Looking forward to him!
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10 hawoojinruinedme
December 4, 2014 at 3:41 AM
Awww, the tears! Welcome back baby!
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11 Sur
December 4, 2014 at 3:48 AM
Yay welcome back! And have a happy future. Have a successful movie! Have a comeback drama too...... And obviously don't forget the *drumrolls* abs!!!
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12 KDaddict
December 4, 2014 at 4:18 AM
It's been rainy and dreary for weeks where I am. This is welcome news that lifts the spirits. Thanks.
Is it possible that he has gotten even better looking?
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13 Michael
December 4, 2014 at 4:29 AM
Welcome back Yoo Seung-ho and look forward to seeing your great acting in the movie that coming up and hopefully a few dramas for the coming 2015.
Again glad to have you back.
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14 Hwari
December 4, 2014 at 4:34 AM
Welcome back YSH. He start with movie first. Let's hope for drama in the second part of 2015.
Now I want to see Yeo Jin Goo serve army on YSH age.
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15 rez
December 4, 2014 at 4:36 AM
He's the real man!
Welcome back Seong Ho-ya, nuna miss you..
Please comeback soon in dramaland :)
GF, I love you for post those pics...
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16 gaeinalee
December 4, 2014 at 4:54 AM
Owww, cutie..
He looks so fine, of age, mature and.. baby jailbait no more!
So happy to see him back. No more asterisks at the end of comment, I'd be guilt-free.. ^^
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17 Ella
December 4, 2014 at 5:04 AM
Yay he's back! Can't wait to see him back onscreen even if it's a movie. :) Questions. How come his enlistment is so short if he listed in March of last year? And is this the same project that Lee Je Hoon was considering for his comeback but chose Secret Door? I remember something with Go Ara.
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PeepsLeAwesomePotato
December 4, 2014 at 5:53 AM
It's not really "soon". Its the standard 21 months for the Korean Army.
It's also 21 months for the Marines (although they're like waaaay tough and if you volunteer for that division, you practically receive God-like respect, like Hyun Bin.)
It's 23 months for the Navy and 24 months (the longest) for the Air-Force (which Yoo YeonSeok volunteered for because the base was near his girlfriend's house. *snort* Oh, young love...
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Rachel
December 4, 2014 at 9:03 AM
AHA I remember that Yoo Yeon Seok story. The funniest thing is his girlfriend dumped him not long after he enlisted. Poor guy.
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maldita
December 4, 2014 at 5:58 AM
Yoo Seungho served as an active duty soldier for the army, and that's 21 months.
Marines (like Yoon Siyoon) = 21 months, Navy = 23 months, Air Force (like Jo Insung did) = 24 months.
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18 john
December 4, 2014 at 5:06 AM
Go Ara is in contention to star as the princess, but still hasn’t confirmed.
She's so pretty. I'd like to see how she does as a princess.
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piggybackrider
December 4, 2014 at 7:24 AM
True. But more importantly she's a bona fide acting talent. Too bad she chooses to do these fluff pieces.
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19 Miko
December 4, 2014 at 5:07 AM
Aiyoo... it's two years already? Wow. He looks so happy to be back and we're happy to have him back. So thrilled for his bright future. Whoever's advising him on life's choices is doing such a great job!
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20 NomNom
December 4, 2014 at 5:13 AM
YAY!!!!!! I'm so happy he's back! :D
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21 dany
December 4, 2014 at 5:20 AM
Yay, I am so happy for him. And he is crying.... , he is so cute. Welcome back!
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22 crazedlu
December 4, 2014 at 5:22 AM
Yeah!
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23 Kavitha Ravi
December 4, 2014 at 5:25 AM
D'awwww look at him! Such a cutie!!! Welcome back dongseng!!!
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24 Emmy
December 4, 2014 at 5:26 AM
Wonderful, I am looking forward to him comig back as a leading man. There must be so many great roles for him now, and it is great to get army duty behind him so he can now focus on his career without any worries!
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25 Adal
December 4, 2014 at 5:33 AM
Ah honey! Welcome, back! You were missed!!
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26 apluszee
December 4, 2014 at 5:40 AM
omg. yay!!! looking at the pictures made me teared up. so glad you're back! please film a drama too!!! we need more actors now in dramaland considering most of the drama actors are leaving for the army next year (Yoochun, Lee Minho, Choi Jinhyuk etc)
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Mari
December 4, 2014 at 3:54 PM
I know. I'm readying my Kleenex. Adding on your list for next year:
Ahn Jae Hyun, Lee Seung Gi, Joo Won, etc.
Basically, my cohorts are leaving for army this year (I'm born in 1986).
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27 Aly
December 4, 2014 at 5:40 AM
I missed him so much! Welcome back, puppy!
I really want to see him in a (good) drama again! He'll make such a dashing romantic hero!
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28 maldita
December 4, 2014 at 5:59 AM
Baby is now a man (sorta!) Please be snatching all them lead roles now that his '86 and '87 hyungs are leaving soon. And give some of those roles to his same-age friends Lee Minho and Lee Hyunwoo. :)
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derp
December 4, 2014 at 7:43 AM
ikr, lee min ho '93 and lee hyun woo deserve a leading roles too in dramas and movie.. it's always those 86-87'er who's taking the spotlight..
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29 padmé
December 4, 2014 at 6:13 AM
awww, this precious soul. Welcome back!
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30 Autumnleaves
December 4, 2014 at 6:22 AM
Gah I am suddenly reminded of all those actors / idols going to military next year *sobs* but welcome back Yoo Seung Ho!! 2 years pass by so fast!!
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31 moochie
December 4, 2014 at 6:29 AM
JADE EMPEROR! Recently just finished Arang and I thought this guy looked familiar. I didn't recognize him without the Mane of the Heavenly Being. haha!
But wow, this guy's only 21?! Darn... I was totally crushing on him in Arang... He's even the same age as my younger brother! (╥_╥) But he looked so mature as the Jade Emperor, I seriously thought he was a older than that!
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NomNom
December 4, 2014 at 5:53 PM
Haha, same here. I first discovered in him Arang back in 2012, was crushing on him like mad, then found out he was my younger brothers age and felt like a pervert, lol. At least he's 21 now though!
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Krystal Anne
December 6, 2014 at 2:31 AM
Yeah he's born August 1993. lol and on Arang he is only like 18 years old back then since that is early 2012.
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32 mvl
December 4, 2014 at 7:56 AM
what a puppy! too cute! it will be interesting to see what he does with his career & how the military enhances his acting.
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33 Fancy Nancy
December 4, 2014 at 8:08 AM
man he's only 21?! why did I think he was at least 24 now...wow time moves slowly hahahaa
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34 nam
December 4, 2014 at 8:22 AM
It must be a great feeling to have military service over with. Unlike some other celebs, YSH had to serve like everyone else did.
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35 mia
December 4, 2014 at 8:29 AM
To me he will always be the little boy who wanted Kentucky chicken! :) So happy he's back!
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36 owl 🦉 🫰
December 4, 2014 at 8:49 AM
Harry! Only 21? Can't wait to see him on the screen again.
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37 Abbie
December 4, 2014 at 8:58 AM
As a fellow '93-er, I'm so happy he's back! I'm looking forward to his drama return! Welcome back!
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38 moondust
December 4, 2014 at 9:24 AM
Welcome back Seung Ho ya! *wipes away his tears for him*
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39 jam
December 4, 2014 at 9:54 AM
yes yes yes yes!!!! this cutie is back! nuna will be watching all your movies/dramas!
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40 Alana
December 4, 2014 at 9:55 AM
O.M.G! I am literally crying! Few days ago i was reading all the comments here about his last photoshoot before he enlist, four days ago i saw om soompi that he was going to be discharged today and i was waiting for dramabeans to post about it. I'm so happy and so looking foward to see how much he have changed and if it'll reflect on his actiing. Btw, the movie sounds promising. ♥♥♥
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41 soprection
December 4, 2014 at 10:21 AM
Aw, he looks so young. I can't believe he's finished already. It feels like he just left. Well, the good thing about him doing a movie is that the schedule won't be as grueling as a drama so hopefully he'll get some rest too in between.
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42 Fun-Lugha
December 4, 2014 at 10:37 AM
Karibu sana YSH!
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43 AJ
December 4, 2014 at 11:18 AM
Yipppee!! Welcome back YSH!! Can't wait to see him in drama, too bad his first project is a movie and with Go Ara. But nevertheless, as long as YSH is in, I'll definitely watch!!
Now, I only need to wait for YSY to be back.
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j2hr
December 4, 2014 at 1:42 PM
why is it bad that he picked a movie for his comeback project? do you want him to be in KMHM or Blood? most drama during the first half 2015 are kind of boring, it s better career choice for him.
He debuted as child actor in movie, so it s reasonable that he picked a movie for his comeback project
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44 goldeng
December 4, 2014 at 11:35 AM
Im not familiar with his work -i knew he was young but im shocked to know im his noona by like 2 years!! O__o- but man, I saw the pics and had to click! :'( his teary-eyed pic got to me! Welcome back!
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45 canxi
December 4, 2014 at 12:08 PM
:D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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46 rhienz
December 4, 2014 at 2:22 PM
Welcome back Seung Ho- yah....
I want him to stars as leads with park shin hye in a drama. They sure had chemistry just like in that SJS Mv :)
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47 SH
December 4, 2014 at 3:59 PM
Cool. Welcome back...but tbh he doesn't do anything for me. He's a bit bland.
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48 Mari
December 4, 2014 at 4:00 PM
It's awesome! Yoon Seung Ho has a lot more years ahead of him as a leading actor.
It's good that he went to the army early. I think that he probably needed a break from acting (he did start as a child actor) and since he needs to go to the army anyway, it's like killing 2 birds in one stone.
I'm so glad that he's back. He's someone to look forward to since my cohorts are going to the army. Next year, it's Kim Soo Hyun's turn.
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49 Pyromaniac
December 4, 2014 at 4:03 PM
Lol i think the one good thing about military service is that people who come out are supposed to have a six pack. That should keep the girls pleased.
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50 coffeenlucia
December 4, 2014 at 8:24 PM
It seems like there would be lots of chemistry between him and Go Ara. Yay^^
Welcome back, Seung-ho. :)
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