My life in the army
wulijohyunjae | November 5, 2009 | 10:40 am 
Recently the Korean army magazine ARMYZINE published an article about the actor Lee Jin-Wok’s life in the army which aroused great reaction. Lee Jin-Wok is Korean superstar Choi Ji-Woo’s boyfriend; the two met while filming “Air City” (2007).
In an interview on October 30 Lee Jin-Wook, who entered the army on May 6, 2009, revealed what life in the army was like. Recalling the five weeks basic military training (that all new recruits undergo), he said : “That was the toughest, most difficult training I have ever experienced. Thoughts such as “That’s too much!” “I can’t take it anymore” kept flashing through my mind. But once I got through it, I managed to carry on. That made my realize how important my family and friends are to me.” He went on: “Actually I didn’t appreciate the warmth and support of my fans as much as I should. Now that I’m here, I realize I was too narrow-minded and prejudiced. Let me here convey my deepest thanks and gratitude to my fans.”
I was shocked when I saw Lee Jin-Wook’s photo from ARMYZINE (above). He does not look in the least like the young man who rather impressed me in “Air City”. How could six months in the army make him age ten years? He is a year younger than Jo Hyun-Jae, but he looks so old and wrinkly!
Well, the army treats everyone alike, big star or not. Our Jo Hyun-Jae underwent the same basic military training in August 2008. The rare photos that were released always showed a smiling, cheerful JHJ, who was obviously thriving in the army and getting along well with his army mates. Johyunjae.hk put it best: “Like enjoying a belated summer camp.”
To JHJ, after enduring and surviving those grueling months filming “Seo Dong Yeo”, army life is, if not exactly a piece of cake, certainly something he could handle with no problem. Even if he has a problem, he never shows it. That’s our JHJ!
(Credit: http://chn.chosun.com, http://gall.dcinside.com, www.johyunjae.hk. Lee Jin-Wook’s photo from ARMYZINE. Thanks!)
The Korean army should make JHJ the poster boy for recruitment.
I am proud of JHJ. When you look at JHJ’s face, you know that we cannot blame for anything.
I think the difference between JHJ and the other actors in the military right now is their attitude towards their MS. JHJ looks at it in a positive light, as a time to reflect on his future and to experience things an ordinary Korean male would experience. Other actors look on their time in the military as a duty, an obligation, a necessary nuisance. Fans of other actors would say what’s the difference between becoming an entertainment soldier and a regular soldier? As long as they perform their obligatory 2-year MS, whether they become entertainment soldiers or regular soldiers should not be a point of contention; whether they look at their obligations in a positive light or as a necessary nuisance should not matter
But don’t they realize that there is a big difference between being dragged to a fight, and going to a fight on your own steam? Don’t they realize that there is a big difference between following your destiny just because it IS your destiny, and following your destiny because you CHOOSE to follow it? (shades of Seo Dong, right?). There is a world of difference between just following and choosing to follow, there is a world of difference between positive attitude and necessary nuisance. And that difference shows in the face. The reason JHJ looks so happy, younger, and unaffected by the rigors of military life compared to other actors doing their MS is his ATTITUDE towards his MS.
And I agree with Ruby, Korean Army should make JHJ the poster boy for recruitment, the problem is JHJ doesn’t like being the poster boy for anything!!!
prissymom, it is true JHJ does not do commercials anymore, but for his country we are sure he would not mind doing it — for free!