Actor Ahn Hyo Seop has become one of the few exceptions to the mandatory military service rule in South Korea, securing his continued presence in the entertainment industry beyond 2024. As a standard requirement, Korean men are obligated to fulfil their military service before they turn 30, serving a minimum of two years in the army.
With the arrival of 2024, a new wave of stars are expected to temporarily exit spotlight and fulfil their military duties. Stars born in 1994 and 1995 are particularly in focus, as they are no longer eligible to postpone their enlistment. Among this group, attention is drawn to those with foreign nationalities among Korean actors, especially those born in 1995.
Ahn Hyo Seop, known for his compelling performances in series like ‘Dr. Romantic’, ‘Business Proposal’ and ‘A Time Called You’, falls into this category. Born on April 17, 1995, and having turned 28, he would typically be due for enlistment. However, Ahn Hyo Seop, with his Canadian citizenship, is exempt from this obligation.
Although born in Seoul, Ahn Hyo Seop's family moved to Toronto, Ontario, Canada when he was six years old. His journey in the entertainment industry began when he was cast by JYP Entertainment while attending high school in Canada. After three years of training to become an idol, he transitioned to acting, making his debut through a variety program.
His breakthrough came with the medical series ‘Dr. Romantic 2’ in 2020, where his remarkable and stable acting earned him the Best New Actor Award at the Baeksang Arts Awards and the Excellence Award at the SBS Acting Awards, solidifying his status as a popular actor.
Given his exemption from military service, Ahn Hyo Seop is set to continue gracing the screen with upcoming projects in 2024. Amidst concluding his fan meeting tour in Asia, he is already gearing up for his next screen endeavour. The actor is reportedly in talks to headline the movie ‘Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint’, alongside a star-studded cast that includes Lee Min Ho, BLACKPINK's Jisoo, Nana, Jung Sung Il, Park Ho San, Shin Seung Ho, and Chae Soo Bin.
If Ahn Hyo Seop confirms his participation in the project, it will mark his first foray into the movie realm since his debut. Meanwhile, fans can anticipate his immediate return to the Philippines on December 14 for the Asia Artist Awards, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in the Korean entertainment industry.