Prodigal K-pop composer enlists in South Korea’s Marine Corps
Move was kept quiet, with only Lee Chan-hyuk’s parents, agency and a few of his close friends in the know
By Ko Dong-hwan
K-pop duo band Akdong Musician’s composer and singer Lee Chan-hyuk, often regarded as a musical prodigy has enlisted in the country’s Marine Corps.
The star, 21, who plays with his younger sister Su-hyun, voluntarily entered a training centre in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province. He kept his enlistment quiet from the public as his Christian pastor parents, a few close friends and staff from his agency YG Entertainment saw him enter the military world for two years.
Lee enlisted early compared to other K-pop celebrities, who usually postpone mandatory military service until their late 20s or 30s. He said he enlisted to train with others around his age “to build diverse experiences and improve my musical skills,” according to media reports.
Lee joins other celebrities who have gone through the military challenge notorious for physically tough training and merciless hierarchical culture.
The others included actors Hyun Bin, Yoon Shi-yoon and former K-pop idol star Oh Jong-hyuk.
Akdong Musician won first place in TV audition show “K-Pop Star: Season 2” in 2013-14 and debuted with YG as professional musicians in 2014.
Having released albums “Play” in 2014 and “Winter” in 2017, the siblings were well known for creative songwriting and unique vocals fitting to their adolescent ages.
Their trendy K-pop hits like “Galaxy,” “200%” and “Last Goodbye” topped online music charts.
