►►”Smile, You” actor Jung Kyung Ho ships off to army duty

Another enlistment day for another actor: This time it’s Smile, You star Jung Kyung-ho, who headed off on the afternoon of November 30 for five weeks of training, to be followed by 20 months of active duty. 😦

Jung debuted in the 2004 drama I’m Sorry, I Love You, and has since appeared in dramas Time of Dog and Wolf and Ja Myung Go — but it was really last year’s sweet, romantic family drama Smile, You, in which he starred opposite Lee Min-jung, that bumped him up to mainstream fame. I found him especially charming in that drama for being a hilarious example of the beta male — not always the most suave or the most commanding, but very endearing with his earnestness and spot-on comic timing. (He also had a nice role in a one-act drama, The Great Gye Choon-bin, which showcased a more somber, thoughtful side of his acting.)

Jung was sent off by a group of media and fans, and answered a few short questions before making his formal enlistment:

You’re enlisting in the midst of an unfortunate incident with the Yeonpyeong Island attack.

“With the current state of affairs, I have a heavy heart. But I’ll work hard and receive my training.”

Will you apply to serve in the entertainers’ unit?

“I haven’t thought about that yet, but I understand that there are currently no spots open in the entertainers’ unit.”

You’re older than most of your fellow soldiers. How do you think you’ll get along?”

“I’ll have to adapt myself to the ways of my younger friends. I think I’ll be able to do that.”

You look good with the short haircut. Do you feel awkward with it?

“I’ve cut my hair short in the past, so it’s not too bad.”

What did you do on your last day before enlistment?

“I stayed up late drinking with my management company family. I spent time with my work family — Ji Jin-hee, Ha Jung-woo, Gong Yoo, and Hyo-jin noona. They all promised to come visit me in the army.”

Who do you think you’ll miss the most?

“I think I’ll miss my family the most. And I’ll miss my friends, too.”

What sort of advice did you get from Gong Yoo, who already fulfilled his military service?

“Yesterday, he talked about his army life for ten hours. He told me to take care of my health.”

Actor Shin Dong-wook is also in the 306th Squadron [with you].

“He’s my entertainer comrade, I’m glad.”

What last words would like to say to your fans?

“Thank you so much for coming so far to see me. In two years, I’ll show you a better self, as a better actor.”