Actor Song Geon Hee has officially begun his active-duty military service. The actor shared a heartfelt message with fans just before his enlistment, reflecting on his journey and expressing deep gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career.
A Personal Message Before Enlistment
On December 1, Song Geon Hee posted a letter through his agency JG Entertainment’s social media channels, acknowledging that fans might have been surprised by the sudden announcement. He expressed his wish to greet them properly before beginning this new chapter.
Song shared honest thoughts about entering the military later than expected, admitting that he originally intended to enlist earlier. “Now that I’m finally preparing to go, so many thoughts are passing through my mind,” he wrote, revealing the mix of emotions that came with the transition.
Gratitude Toward Fans Who Supported Him for Nine Years
Song Geon Hee also delivered a heartfelt message to his fans, known as “Geonhee-sahang.” He recalled his early twenties when he first entered the industry and mentioned the promise he made to preserve that youthful image before leaving for service. He credited fans for staying by his side through nine years of work, saying their steady encouragement kept him going.
“I don’t know how to express my feelings in a way that fully reaches you,” he continued. “I’m truly grateful. I’ll press down all the emotions I couldn’t express here and take them with me. I’m only stepping away for a while, please stay healthy until I return. I promise to come back strong.”
Beginning Service in the Republic of Korea Army
Song Geon Hee enlisted as an active-duty soldier on December 1. After entering the Army Recruit Training Center, he will undergo five weeks of basic military training before being assigned to his unit. His discharge is scheduled for May 2027.
As he steps away from the spotlight for the next year and a half, fans are sending him warm messages of support, wishing him a safe and healthy service. His return is already highly anticipated, with expectations for new growth both as an actor and as an individual.
Editor’s Insight
The enlistment of Song Geon Hee on December 1, 2025, marks a “bittersweet hiatus” for an actor whose career momentum was reaching a record high. Often referred to as a “blue-chip” talent in the industry, Song’s decision to serve as an active-duty soldier follows a string of successful roles that solidified his Topical Authority as a versatile leading man. His heartfelt letter to his fandom, “Geonhee-sahang,” specifically addressing his choice to enlist “later than expected,” humanizes the transition and strengthens the emotional bond with a global audience that has followed him for nine years.
From a strategic perspective, Song’s discharge in May 2027 positions him perfectly for a “prime-time” comeback. In the current K-drama landscape, the 18-month service period is increasingly viewed not as a career break, but as a “rebranding window” where actors return with a more mature, rugged image that opens doors to intense thriller or action genres.
As fans wait for his return, the “youthful promise” he mentioned in his letter will likely serve as the foundation for his 2027 projects. By enlisting at the peak of his 20s, Song Geon Hee is ensuring that his “post-army” career starts with the momentum of a veteran but the energy of a rising star, making him one of the most anticipated returns of the 2027 broadcast season.