Actor Seo Kang Joon has made a significant return to the entertainment scene following his military enlistment, which concluded on May 22, 2023. Known for his roles in K-dramas such as Cheese In The Trap and When the Weather Is Fine, Seo has consistently been labeled alongside stars like ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo and BLACKPINK’s Jisoo as one of Korea’s “Face Genius” celebrities.
Seo’s career took off with critical acclaim after his performance in Cheese In The Trap, and he further built his reputation with When the Weather Is Fine, featuring “Romcom Queen” Park Min Young. Although the series did not achieve record-breaking ratings, it was well-received by fans of the original novel, highlighting Seo’s ability to bring depth to his character.
In November 2021, as he was gaining momentum, the actor enlisted for his military service with the Republic of Korea Army, committing to 18 months of service. Before enlisting, Seo shared his feelings about the journey, expressing both excitement and apprehension as he prepared for the challenges ahead.
After returning from military duty, he addressed his fans with a heartfelt message, expressing his joy at being back and his eagerness to return to acting. “I missed being in front of the camera, too… and I can’t wait to get back to work,” he stated, reassuring fans that they could expect new projects soon.
His first role post-enlistment was in the K-drama Undercover High School, which had its finale in March 2025. Seo Kang Joon’s resurgence in the industry is now being closely watched by fans and critics alike, as they anticipate his future endeavors and further contributions to the entertainment landscape.
In a parallel journey, actor Kang Tae Oh, who recently achieved fame with his roles in The Tale of Nokdu and Extraordinary Attorney Woo, also faced military enlistment shortly after his breakthrough. The question remains: what heights could these talents have attained if not for their mandatory military service?
