Alchemy Of Souls Actor Lee Jae-Wook Announces Work Break For Military Service - To Enlist From THIS Date

Lee

Jae-Wook is one of the most popular South Korean actors. He is now ready to enlist in mandatory military service. As confirmed by his agency on May 4, 2026, the actor will enlist as an active-duty soldier on May 18. He is expected to be on a break for one year and six months while serving the country. As per reports, Jae-Wook is planning to quietly enter the training centre without any formal ceremony. On the other hand, despite his enlistment, he will remain engaged with viewers through his ongoing projects, including his role in ENA’s upcoming drama Doctor on the Edge.

Lee Jae-Wook confirms military enlistment

Lee Jae-Wook is preparing to temporarily step away from his acting career to serve his country from May 18. He isexpected to return after 18 months. His agency, Log Studio, confirmed the date in a statement following an initial report by STARNEWS, saying simply, "Lee Jae Wook will be enlisting as an active duty soldier on May 18." He is anticipated to return to the screen in November 2027 after completing his service.

About Lee Jae-Wook

The Alchemy of Soulsactor recently filmed drama Doctor on the Edge is set to premiere in June 2026 on ENA. It will introduce new facets of his talent, while the Netflix series Honey Part-time Job is also scheduled for release later this year.Speaking about Doctor on the Edge (2026), it is an ENA medical romantic comedy inspired by a popular webcomic. The story follows Do Ji-ui (Lee Jae-Wook), a privileged plastic surgeon who, instead of fulfilling his military service, is assigned to the remote Pyeondong Island as a public health doctor. There, he teams up with the enigmatic nurse Yook Ha-ri (Shin Ye-eun). Together, they aim to provide medical care to the island's residents while confronting their own emotional scars. Along the way, they navigate a difficult and often bizarre year of survival with a unique blend of drama and humor.

The cast also follows Hong Min-ki as Hyun Chi-yeon, an elite "tsun-dere" doctor, Lee Soo-Kyung portrays Uhm Jung-sun, a tough yet compassionate island nurse, and Kim Yoon-Woo takes on the role of Yong Ju-cheon, a quirky Korean medicine doctor. Since his debut in the 2018 tvN drama Memories of the Alhambra, Jae-Wook has built a diverse filmography with appearances in works such as the Reincarnation series, I'm Dying Soon, Royal Loader, Tanggeum, and The Last Summer.