Kim Hyun Joong Discharged From The Military
Singer-actor Kim Hyun Joong finally returned Saturday from the army after completing 21 months of mandatory military service.
More than 1,500 fans from all over the world welcomed the star, who enlisted in May 2015 and served as border patrol in the ROK army's 30th division in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do.
Kim Hyun Joong's loyal fans greeted him with signs, posters, and anticipation as he thanked them for gathering over to meet him despite the cold weather.
"I feel like I'm starting the second half of my life," Soompi quoted the 30-year-old SS501 leader as saying.
Also well-known for his roles in the hit 2009 drama "Boys Over Flowers" and the 2010 romantic-comedy "Playful Kiss," Kim Hyun Joong opened his heart out as he hinted about his plans for making a comeback.
"I still have a lot of worries and fear," he said. "However, I felt many things, learned how to overcome, and thought a lot while I was in the army. I hope people will trust me more and watch over me."
The singer-actor suffered a severe backlash after his ex-girlfriend, known only as Miss Choi, charged him of physical assault in 2014. The legal battle dragged on for the following years and even continued as Kim Hyun Joong entered the military.
The singer wrote a handwritten letter to his fans last month as his ex-girlfriend faces indictment for allegedly fabricating and lying about her pregnancy and other charges.
His management agency KeyEast Entertainment also encouraged fans to support his return to the limelight.
Kim Hyun Joong, however, did not speak of his career immediately.
"The very first thing I need to do is meet my parents," he said. "I met them while I was on leave, but I want to greet them formally after being discharged. I can't give any details about plans for activities, but I think I will greet fans soon."
He also gave a message for Big Bang's T.O.P. and JYJ's Junsu who both began their military duties Thursday.
He said, "I hope [they] have the strength and fulfill their military duty well."