Nam Joo-hyuk begins military service: Actor's top shows to watch
What's the story
South Korean actor Nam Joo-hyuk, who rose to prominence with his stint in the romantic drama series Twenty-Five Twenty-One, has enlisted for his mandatory military service. In wake of the announcement, fans of the star are obviously sad. Since admirers won't be able to witness Nam's impeccable performance for a while, let's take a look at some of the iconic K-dramas he's appeared in.
Context
Why does this story matter?
As per South Korean law, all able-bodied men have to complete 18 to 21 months of mandatory military service before they turn 30. Before Nam's enlistment procedure, BTS member J-Hope notably became the second member of the K-pop group after Jin to enlist. Meanwhile, other Korean actors and K-pop stars are also moving forward with their enlistment procedure, including The Glory actor Lee Do-hyun.
Twitter Post
Check out the official announcement post
Hello everyone! We are creating this thread for the progress chart of #NamJoohyuk's military service. Let's all wish him good health, prepare for #Vigilante, and wait together until he comes back safely.
— NAM JOOHYUK (@jjwogiverse) March 19, 2023
NAM JOOHYUK FIGHTING! 🫡🪖
D-549#남주혁 #ナムジュヒョク #นัมจูฮยอก pic.twitter.com/kGPcK29I60
#1
'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' (2022)
One of the most talked about shows of the previous year, tvN's Twenty-Five Twenty-One is a romantic series, which recorded the highest audience ratings in South Korea in 2022. Featuring Nam alongside Kim Tae-ri and Choi Hyun-Wook, the series is set against South Korean financial crises and revolves around a teenage fencer who has big ambitions. Nam's relatable performance was widely appreciated by fans.
#2
'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo' (2016)
In the mood to watch a light-hearted romcom series? Head straight to watch Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, in which Nam played the character Jung Joon-hyung—a talented swimmer who falls in love with the titular character who is a weightlifter. A classic friends-to-lovers trope, the storyline features the lead characters always bickering and bantering before they realize their true, innate feelings for each other.
#3
'The Light in Your Eyes' (2019)
Since his debut in 2014's The Idle Mermaid, Nam has transformed himself into a seasoned actor, who has the ability to portray any character with conviction. His performance as Lee Joon-ha in The Light in Your Eyes was highly praised by fans and critics alike. The fantasy drama encircled a young man who falls in love with a time-traveling woman, played by Han Ji-min.
#4
'The Bride of Habaek' (2017)
Nam-led The Bride of Habaek was well-received by fans, majorly due to the actor's incredible chemistry with co-star Shin Se-kyung. It revolved around Nam, a water god, who arrives on Earth in search of a powerful stone and falls in love with Shin. The show then progresses to show how the two characters navigate obstacles to be with each other.