K-Drama’s Beloved Bad Boy Is Signing Off — Lee Jae Wook Enlists May 18 & Here’s Everything You Need to Know

If you've been a fan of Alchemy of Souls, brace yourself — the charming and impossibly talented Lee Jae Wook is heading to the military, and the K-drama world is…

By Reetam Bodhak

May 4, 2026

3 min read

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If you’ve been a fan of Alchemy of Souls, brace yourself — the charming and impossibly talented Lee Jae Wook is heading to the military, and the K-drama world is already feeling the void.

It’s Official: Lee Jae Wook Enlists on May 18, 2026

His agency log studio confirmed to Ilgan Sports that Lee Jae Wook will formally enlist as an active duty soldier on May 18, 2026. Born in 1998, the actor has reached the age for mandatory military service — a requirement for all able-bodied South Korean men — and will be away for a total of 18 months. No details about his training base or a public send-off ceremony were shared. Based on this timeline, fans can expect his discharge around November 2027.

Lee Jae Wook’s Journey to Stardom

Year	Drama / Project	Role/Milestone
2018	Memories of the Alhambra	Acting debut (supporting)
2019	Extraordinary You	Breakthrough role
2020	When The Weather Is Fine	Rising star recognition
2022–23	Alchemy of Souls	International fame
2026	Doctor on the Edge	Final project before enlistment

From a supporting debut in Memories of the Alhambra to becoming a household name worldwide with Alchemy of Souls, Lee Jae Wook’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. He also appeared in Search: WWW, When The Weather Is Fine, and Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol along the way, steadily building a loyal global fanbase.

One Last Gift Before He Goes

Before he trades in his scripts for a uniform, fans have one more project to look forward to. Lee Jae Wook stars in Doctor on the Edge, releasing June 1, 2026, where he plays a former plastic surgeon now working as a public health doctor, co-starring Shin Ye Eun. Consider it his farewell gift to fans — and knowing his track record, it’s going to be a good one.

For more updates on K-drama releases and your favourite Korean stars, TechnoSports has all the latest entertainment coverage.

What This Means for Fans?

An 18-month hiatus from one of K-drama’s most magnetic actors is genuinely tough news. But this is a proud and deeply personal chapter for Lee Jae Wook — fulfilling his national duty with the same quiet dignity he brings to every role. The K-drama world will be waiting right here when he returns. Keep an eye on TechnoSports for his discharge date and comeback updates.