Actor YIDO has returned after completing 1 year and 9 months, or 3 years in total, of defense duty. Having returned to the side of his fans, YIDO noted that he would create a space for communication soon, raising expectations.
YIDO enlisted on Aug. 14, 2023, serving in the Air Force military band, and completed his defense duty by reporting his discharge at the Air Force headquarters in Gyeryong, South Chungcheong Province, on the 14th.
Having debuted in 2017 with tvN's 'Prison Playbook,' YIDO has steadily built a solid filmography through his roles in '18 Again,' 'Sweet Home,' 'The Glory,' and 'Bad Mom.' In particular, YIDO proved his outstanding acting skills and overwhelming talent across genres, not limited to just one.
However, the 1 year and 9 months of 'military hiatus' did not seem to be felt by YIDO. During his military service, his screen debut work 'The Burial' attracted 11.91 million viewers, earning him the title of 'ten million actor,' and he met viewers through the Tving original series 'Lee Jae, Soon to Die' and the Netflix original series 'Sweet Home Season 3.' In particular, he won the Best New Actor Award in the film category at the 60th Baeksang Arts Awards for 'The Burial,' saying, 'I will greet you as actor YIDO next May.'
With both popularity and buzz, YIDO also carried out his military service diligently. Since he served in the military band, he showcased singing and dancing at various military events. Netizens who saw his stage videos, despite the military uniform and short hair, praised his idol-like visuals, responding with comments like, 'He really lives hard.'
YIDO has also strengthened his relationship with his girlfriend Lim Ji-yeon. Images of YIDO enjoying a brunch date with Lim Ji-yeon while on leave for the release of 'The Burial' were captured, and the two also attended the 'Baeksang Arts Awards' together, displaying their affection for each other.
Having filled his 1 year and 9 months, YIDO shared his feelings about his discharge through social media a day later on the 14th. He said, 'It was long if long and short if short, but for me, the year and 9 months, or 3 years in total, felt neither short. While it felt like a long time, now that it has passed, I feel like it went by quickly, which is a bit regrettable! However, it feels light that I did my best during my military life without regrets.'
He continued, 'I want to share the stories that I couldn't share with fans during that time, so I am preparing a space for direct communication. I am working hard to show as many different sides of myself as possible. I would be grateful if you could shine at the event so that I can repay, even a little, for the love you all have given me.' He added, 'My feelings about my future are a mix of fear and excitement. I will greet you with good works and good acting with the intention of becoming a better person.'
Lim Ji-yeon did not attend YIDO's discharge ceremony. The reason was due to personal scheduling. On the same day in the morning, Lim Ji-yeon attended a fashion brand opening commemorative event held at the Lotte Department Store main branch in Jung-gu, Seoul. Although she could not attend the discharge ceremony, it is said that there are no issues in their affectionate relationship.
Having returned to the side of his fans, YIDO is reported to be considering a lead role in the Hong sisters' new work 'Grand Galaxy.' According to his agency, YIDO has already been offered various projects ranging from dramas to films, and there have also been numerous love calls for advertisements and photo shoots.
[Photo] OSEN DB, SNS
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