Entertainment
Kwak Dong-Yeon to Enlist in Military this August, Agency confirms; Actor’s final schedule before service revealed
The East Palace and Queen of Tears star Kwak Dong-Yeon will begin his mandatory military service on August 25, 2026, after completing a handful of professional commitments.
South Korean actor Kwak Dong-Yeon is set to take a temporary break from the entertainment industry as he prepares to begin his mandatory military service. On July 21, his agency THEBLACKLABEL officially confirmed that the actor will enlist as an active-duty soldier on August 25, 2026.
The announcement comes after Korean media reported that the actor had received his enlistment notice. Confirming the development, the agency stated that Kwak Dong-Yeon would faithfully complete his military duties before returning to acting.
Final work commitments before enlistment
Before entering military service, Kwak Dong-Yeon is expected to wrap up a few remaining professional engagements.
One of his final public appearances will reportedly be the filming of the 10th anniversary special of the popular variety programme celebrating Love in the Moonlight, scheduled for early August.
However, the actor will not participate in the upcoming season of The Village Barber, which is expected to begin production later in August. Reports indicate that actor Ko Kyung-Pyo will join the show’s cast for the new season.
Successful run with hit K-dramas
Over the years, Kwak Dong-Yeon has established himself as one of South Korea’s most versatile actors.
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He recently made a special appearance as the Crown Prince in Netflix’s The East Palace, further adding to an impressive filmography that spans more than a decade.
The actor made his television debut in My Husband Got a Family in 2012 and has since delivered memorable performances in acclaimed dramas including Love in the Moonlight, My ID Is Gangnam Beauty, Never Twice, Vincenzo, Gaus Electronics, and the global hit Queen of Tears.

His portrayal of Jang Han-Seo in Vincenzo received widespread praise, while his role as Hong Soo-Cheol in Queen of Tears further strengthened his popularity among international audiences.
Expected return in 2028
According to the current schedule, Kwak Dong-Yeon is expected to complete his mandatory military service and be discharged in February 2028.
Mandatory military service remains a legal requirement for most able-bodied South Korean men, often leading actors and entertainers to temporarily pause their careers before returning to the industry after completing their service.
Fans have already begun sharing messages of support on social media, wishing the actor a safe enlistment and eagerly awaiting his return to the screen after fulfilling his national duty.
