K-drama superstar Ji Chang Wook has officially completed his mandatory military service and has been discharged on April 27, Saturday.
Though he has previously requested for a quiet exit, fans and members of the press nonetheless flocked to the Cheorwon Artillery Brigade in Gangwon Province, where they were gifted with the 31-year-old actor's warm smile and swoon-worthy hand waves.
"It still hasn't hit me; I don't quite feel like I've been discharged yet," Chang Wook stated.
"I feel nervous greeting you for the first time in a long while, and I will greet you again with good things and even better projects in the future. Please look forward to it a lot," he furthered, hinting about his long-awaited return to the K-drama world.
Reports have earlier circulated, revealing that Chang Wook is positively considering two new TV series. One is TVN's upcoming rom-com titled "Please Melt Me," the other being "City of Stars" -- a space/sci-fi drama to be directed by Jang Jin.
He was last seen on "Suspicious Partner," a legal-romance drama wherein he was paired with Nam Ji Hyun.
Besides thanking his fans, he also expressed gratitude to his fellow entertainment figures who served with him in the military. During his service, he became a part of the military-themed musical titled "Shinheung Military Academy."
Co-starring fellow K-drama actor Kang Ha Neul, the musical production touches on the timeless theme of nationalistic love -- and how patriotism prompts people to die for their country.
The show, which was staged in celebration of the 70th founding anniversary of the Republic of Korea Army, has earned a "Best Musical" nomination from the Korea Musical Awards.
"Through our musical, I ended up performing with Kang Ha Neul for the first time in almost 10 years. I also became close with Sunggyu while performing, as well as with Onew, Kim Min Ho, and Go Eun Sung," he shared.
"They were all a huge help to me. To be honest, it was because of those friends that I was able to spend my military life meaningfully and comfortably. I was really grateful to all of them."
Chang Wook first shot to fame when he played the lead role in "Smile Again." He further cemented his status as an A-list actor as he top-billed high-rated series like "Healer" and "Empress Ki." He also starred in the 2017 action film, "Fabricated City."
