Actor Yoo Seung Ho Aces His Military Service

How is actor Yoo Seung Hoo doing in the army? Very well. The actor seems to be not only adjusting to the terms of his service, but he's doing so well that he was recently given a promotion.

Kdrama actors are not exempt from Korea's military service, but many actors wait until they feel they are well established in their careers. All Korean males must serve for a period of approximately two years between the ages of 18 and 35. These are prime years for chalking up leading roles so some actors wait as long as they can. A few have asked for and been denied a postponement because they are in the middle of filming a drama. Two years is a long time to be out of the acting game when fresh new faces are always coming along. That's why enlisting early in your career rather than mid-way is the exception rather than the rule.

So, it came as something of a surprise when actor Yoo Seung Hoo voluntarily enlisted at the age of 19 and just when his career was starting to take off. The actor decided to enlist in January at the conclusion of his much praised performance as the creepy controlling Kang Hyung Joon in the popular drama "Missing You." He rejected all the drama, film and modeling offers he received after it ended. Wanting to enlist quickly and quietly, he also rejected any publicity surrounding his enlistment and just wanted to be treated like all the other men who were enlisting.

He also did not want any special treatment while serving. Many kdrama actors who enter the service are assigned to positions within the Defense Media Agency. Yoo Seung Hoo just wanted to be a soldier. After he finished basic training he was assigned to the much-respected 27th Search Battalion for specialized training. Due to his excellent grades while training, he won a prize, allowing him to take vacation time, and he was promoted to an assistant instructor position in the department that trains recruits. He began serving as an assistant instructor this week.

The actor who made his film debut at the age of seven in the drama "Daddy Fish," is also known for his leading role in "Operation Proposal" and playing the Jade Emperor in "Arang and the Magistrate." He is the winner of several acting awards.

He was recently snapped making the V sign while performing his military duties. His military service will end in late 2014.