Lee Min Ki Clarifies Enlistment Rumors

Because of rumors circulating about his enlistment date, actor Lee Min Ki felt it necessary to clarify his plans.

Rumors said that the actor was planning on reporting for his mandatory military duty on Aug. 4 but he denied that he would enlist so soon.

The actor, who plays a former professional baseball player in the recently released film "For The Emperor," does plan to enlist in August. But first he has commitments to fulfill.

"His enlistment date is coming soon and it is true that the date will be some time in August", an official at Good Management, Lee's agency told Ilgan Sports.

Before the actor reports for his two years of mandatory military duty, he will complete filming "Shoot My Heart." It's the story of two young men who wind up in a psychiatric hospital and think up a plot to break free. Lee Min Ki, 29, plays a young chaebol, who was put in the asylum by his conniving family. With him out of the way it will be easier to steal his inheritance. His co-star 16-year-old actor Yeo Jin Goo plays a young man with a phobia of scissors due to his mother's suicide.

Once the film is done, Lee Min Ki plans to report for duty.

All Korean males between the ages of 18 and 35 must serve two years in the military and most prefer to do so before they reach 30. Previously, celebrities such as Lee Min Ki might have served in a special promotional unit due to their celebrity status but that unit was disbanded last year. Negative publicity about special treatment for the stars raised public outrage and prompted its end. No enlistees get special treatment now although there are alternate ways to serve beside active duty.

Some stars do opt for such alternatives. For example, they can serve as military policemen or in civil jobs. Lee Min Ki will serve as a civil assistant at a public office rather than serving active duty. Good Entertainment wanted to keep his plans quiet to prevent criticism. Some citizens still frown on any alternative duty for celebrities.

However, once rumors about the enlistment date began to circulate, it was difficult to keep his plans a secret.

Lee Min Ki appeared in "Dalja's Spring" and "I Really Really Like You." He also had a small part in the drama "Shut Up Flower Boy Band." His film roles include "Monster" and "Very Ordinary Couple."