‘Start-Up’ star Nam Da Reum announces early military enlistment in heartfelt letter

Nam Da Reum, who starred on the hit Netflix K-Drama “Start-Up,” announced that he would be enlisting in the military on Feb. 8.

In a heartfelt letter to his fans, the South Korean actor aged 21 (19 in international age) said serving the military had been his goal since he was young.

“Although I wasn’t able to go at the age of 20 [by Korean reckoning], I think it’s a relief that I’m at least able to go at the age of 21,” he said, as translated in a Soompi report

“After I come back, I will try to show you an improved version of myself as an adult and as an actor,” he added.

He also asked his fans called Uniques to “take good care of your health. I will return [as] a more mature person.”

The young actor’s decision came as a surprise to many as Korean males were required by law to begin their mandatory military service from age 18 to 28.

On the popular Netflix drama “Start-Up,” Nam Da Reum played the younger version of Kim Seon Ho’s character, Han Ji Pyeong, a.k.a. the “Good Boy.” – Margaret Claire Layug/RC, GMA News