Lee Do-hyun's Military Discharge: From Soldier to Superstar - The Triumphant Return of Korea's Rising Actor

## A Star Returns: Lee Do-hyun Completes Military Service

South Korean actor Lee Do-hyun has officially completed his mandatory military service, marking the end of a remarkable 21-month journey that defied the typical 'military hiatus' experienced by most celebrities. On May 13, 2025, the 29-year-old actor was discharged from the Republic of Korea Air Force, where he served as a member of the military band since August 14, 2023. Despite being away from the entertainment scene physically, Lee's presence remained strongly felt through pre-filmed projects that continued to be released during his service period, keeping him firmly in the spotlight even while fulfilling his national duty.

Lee's military service coincided with what many would consider the peak of his rising career, making his enlistment particularly poignant for fans. However, rather than fading from public memory during his time away, Lee achieved the rare distinction of becoming even more prominent while serving his country. His agency, YUEHUA Entertainment Korea, has confirmed that the actor is already reviewing numerous offers for dramas, films, advertisements, and photo shoots, signaling that his return to the industry will be nothing short of spectacular.

## The Unprecedented 'Military Success Story'

What makes Lee Do-hyun's military service period truly exceptional is how he managed to achieve career milestones that most actors would dream of accomplishing in their active years. Most notably, his supernatural thriller film 'Exhuma,' which marked his debut on the big screen, became a massive box office success, attracting over 11.91 million viewers. This remarkable achievement earned him the title of a 'ten-million-viewer actor' with his very first leading role in cinema-a feat rarely accomplished in the Korean entertainment industry.

The film's success culminated in Lee receiving the Best New Actor award in the film category at the prestigious 60th Baeksang Arts Awards. In a touching moment that captivated audiences, Lee attended the ceremony in his military uniform and delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech. During this speech, he introduced himself as 'Private Im Dong-hyun currently serving in the Air Force Military Band, who used to be actor Lee Do-hyun,' and memorably thanked his girlfriend with the simple yet affectionate phrase, 'Ji-yeon, thank you.' This public acknowledgment of his relationship with actress Lim Ji-yeon drew enthusiastic cheers from the audience and further endeared him to fans.

## A Flourishing Filmography During Absence

Beyond 'Exhuma,' Lee's presence remained strong through several other projects that were released during his military service. The TVING original series 'Lee Jae, Soon Dies' featured him in a special appearance, while Netflix's 'Sweet Home Season 3' showcased another facet of his versatile acting skills. These releases, combined with the phenomenal success of 'Exhuma,' ensured that Lee remained at the forefront of the entertainment industry despite his physical absence.

His ability to maintain such a strong presence while serving in the military is particularly impressive considering the typical 'military hiatus' that Korean male celebrities often experience. Rather than disappearing from the public eye, Lee seemed to gain even more recognition and acclaim during this period. This unusual trajectory speaks volumes about both his talent and the strategic planning that went into his career management, allowing him to build momentum rather than lose it during his mandatory service.

## Romance in the Spotlight: Lee Do-hyun and Lim Ji-yeon

Lee's relationship with actress Lim Ji-yeon has been another aspect of his life that garnered significant attention during his military service. The couple first met on the set of the Netflix series 'The Glory' in 2022, which eventually led to their romantic relationship. Despite being five years younger than Lim, Lee has maintained a strong connection with her throughout his military service.

Lim has been supportive of Lee's military duties, previously stating in interviews that 'being a military girlfriend is fine' and expressing her hope that he would 'complete his service healthily.' She described him as a 'grateful presence' who provides encouragement, noting that while they don't interfere much with each other's work, they serve as sources of support for one another given their shared profession. Lee's public acknowledgment of Lim during his Baeksang acceptance speech further cemented their relationship in the public eye, turning what could have been a challenging period of separation into a touching love story that resonated with fans.

## From Debut to Stardom: Lee's Impressive Career Trajectory

Lee Do-hyun's journey in the entertainment industry began in 2017 when he debuted in tvN's 'Prison Playbook.' Since then, he has steadily built an impressive filmography with roles in various successful dramas including '18 Again,' 'Sweet Home,' 'Youth of May,' 'The Glory,' and 'The Good Bad Mother.' His versatility as an actor has been evident in his ability to excel across different genres, from melodrama and human interest stories to thrillers.

What makes Lee's career particularly noteworthy is the rapid ascent he experienced in a relatively short time. From playing supporting roles to becoming a leading man capable of carrying major productions, his growth as an actor has been remarkable. His performance in 'The Glory' alongside Lim Ji-yeon helped solidify his status as a rising star, while 'The Good Bad Mother' demonstrated his ability to lead a production to commercial success, achieving the highest viewership ratings among Thursday-Friday dramas during its run. This consistent upward trajectory suggests that Lee's return to the industry post-military service is poised to elevate him to even greater heights.

## What's Next for Lee Do-hyun?

With his military service now complete, all eyes are on Lee Do-hyun's next career moves. According to industry sources, he has already received numerous casting offers for various projects. One of the most talked-about possibilities is his potential involvement in a new fantasy drama titled 'Grand Galaxy,' written by the celebrated Hong Sisters (Hong Jung-eun and Hong Mi-ran). This project is particularly intriguing as it's positioned as a sequel to their 2019 hit 'Hotel Del Luna'-a series that played a significant role in Lee's early career, where he portrayed the character Go Chung-myung.

Reports suggest that Lee has received an offer to star in 'Grand Galaxy,' though no official decision has been announced yet. The project has generated additional excitement due to the possibility of reuniting Lee with his longtime collaborator Go Min-si. While casting details remain under wraps, the prospect of Lee taking on a leading role in a Hong Sisters production has already created substantial buzz within the industry and among fans. Beyond this potential drama, Lee is also expected to consider film projects and various commercial opportunities, all of which will contribute to what promises to be an exciting new chapter in his career.

## The Impact of Military Service on Korean Celebrities

Lee Do-hyun's military service experience offers an interesting case study in how Korean male celebrities navigate this mandatory obligation. In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve approximately 18-21 months in the military, a requirement that often comes at crucial points in their careers. For many entertainers, this period represents a significant challenge as they risk losing momentum and public interest during their absence.

However, Lee's experience demonstrates that with careful planning and strong pre-enlistment projects, it's possible to not only maintain but even enhance one's career during military service. By filming multiple projects before his enlistment that were strategically released during his service period, Lee managed to remain relevant and even achieve new career heights while fulfilling his national duty. His approach could serve as a blueprint for other Korean male celebrities facing similar career interruptions due to military service, showing that with the right strategy, this period doesn't necessarily have to represent a setback.