The East Palace Actor Kwak Dong-Yeon Announces Military Service; Enlistment Schedule Revealed

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East Palace actor Kwak Dong Yeon is preparing to temporarily step away from the entertainment industry as he gears up for his mandatory military service. On July 21, his agency THEBLACKLABEL confirmed reports that the actor will enlist as an active duty soldier in August 2026. With his enlistment date now official, attention has also turned to his schedule leading up to military service. While the actor is expected to fulfil select commitments before beginning his duty, the update also brings changes to his upcoming television appearances. Here's everything we know so far.

Kwak Dong-Yeon military enlistment date and schedule revealed

Kwak Dong-Yeon is set to begin his mandatory military service next month. On July 21, his agency THEBLACKLABEL confirmed reports that the actor will enlist as an active duty soldier on August 25, 2026. The confirmation came after a Korean media outlet reported that Kwak had recently received his enlistment notice. Responding to the report, THEBLACKLABEL stated, "Kwak Dong Yeon will enlist for active duty on August 25, 2026 and faithfully fulfill his military service."Ahead of his enlistment, the actor is expected to complete a few professional commitments. He will reportedly take part in filming the 10th anniversary special variety show for Love in the Moonlight in early August, making it one of his final official schedules before beginning military service. However, Kwak will not be joining the upcoming season of The Village Barber, which is slated to begin filming in late August and will feature Ko Kyung-Pyo as a new cast member.

Dong-Yeon most recently made a special appearance in Netflix's The East Palace. Since making his acting debut in 2012 with My Husband Got a Family, he has starred in several hit dramas, including Love in the Moonlight, My ID Is Gangnam Beauty, Vincenzo, and Queen of Tears. The actor is expected to complete his military service and be discharged in February 2028.

Kwak Dong-Yeon's work front

Kwak made a special appearance as the Crown Prince in the Netflix series The East Palace. Apart from this, he has won hearts as the lovable Hong Soo-Ceol in Queen of Tears (2024) and earned widespread acclaim for his layered portrayal of Jang Han-Seo in Vincenzo (2021).

The actor also headlined the workplace comedy Gaus Electronics (2022), while earlier standout performances in Love in the Moonlight (2016), My ID Is Gangnam Beauty (2018), and Never Twice (2019) further cemented his reputation as one of South Korea's most versatile actors.