Singer Kim Jeong-hoon discharged from military today

Singer Kim Jeong-hoon salutes his fans and the media after being discharged from the military's Defense Media Agency of the National Defense Ministry in Seoul, South Korea on February 28, 2011. [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Korean singer Kim Jeong-hoon was discharged from the military today, completing the two-year duty required of all Korean men.

The 30-year-old singer had served at the Defense Media Agency of the National Defense Ministry in Yongsan of Seoul since January 2010.

"I first served at the Cheorwon region located in the Gangwon Province and was began my service at the National Defense Ministry in January,” Kim said in front of 200 some local and international fans and reporters who gathered to see him. “Before entering the military, I felt burdened by the two years of service but I was energized by the girl groups.”

He smiled and went onto explain that he liked all the girl groups and gave words of encouragement to fellow entertainers who will be entering the military. "I know that they [male celebrities waiting to enter the military] may feel a bit uneasy right now but they will have a good time and learn a lot as well. There is nothing to worry about."

Kim made his debut in the male duo UN in 2000 and expanded his career to acting in 2006 after the group disbanded. He starred in several dramas including the hit MBC series "Goong" in 2006.

He also branched out into the music market in Japan, releasing several singles and albums under the name John Hoon. His songs reached the top 10 on the prestigious Oricon music charts.

Kim will meet with some 30,000 fans in Japan at the Saitama Super Arena on March 14 and then hold a local meet-and-greet with fans in April.

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