South Korean actor Lee Jun-young (이준영), who rose to fame through “Avengers Social Club,” has been consistently active in dramas, showcasing his versatile acting in works like “Good Casting,” “Imitation,” “D.P.,” “Let Me Be Your Knight,” and “Weak Hero Class 2.” Last year, he gained significant popularity again with the Netflix hit K-drama “When I Run Towards You With My Speed of 493km,” where he played Park Young-beom, the boyfriend of IU’s character’s daughter, Kim Myung. His portrayal of a “pure-hearted warm guy” was widely praised, especially his emotional crying scenes, which resonated with viewers and further boosted his recognition and popularity.
Despite being in the midst of a rising career, Lee Jun-young suddenly enlisted in the military. Now, over a month into his service, recent photos have emerged online. Donning his military uniform and a neat buzz cut, he exudes a masculine aura different from his on-screen image. He has also been appointed as a “company commander trainee” during his basic training. However, his short hairstyle unexpectedly made his hairline more prominent, leading to online discussions about a potential “M-shaped hairline.”
On the 24th, several recent photos of Lee Jun-young, who is currently serving in the military, circulated across various South Korean online communities and social media platforms. In the pictures, he is seen with his short hair and military uniform, smiling brightly alongside his fellow enlistees. While his appearance is a stark contrast to his glamorous celebrity image before enlistment, his signature mischievous expression remains, prompting fans to call him “cute.”
Of particular interest is the report that Lee Jun-young is serving as a “company commander trainee” at the new recruit training center. Photos show him wearing a “company commander” armband on his left arm. A “company commander trainee” is a self-governing service member elected by new recruits, primarily responsible for maintaining order within the company on behalf of the trainees and relaying instructions from officers.
Even as a soldier, Lee Jun-young’s “stage spirit” as a former idol seems to be irrepressible. In another photo, he is seen wearing a beret and dancing to ATEEZ’s “BAD” with his fellow trainees, a sight that amused netizens upon its release.
However, another unexpected focal point emerged from these photos. Several pictures captured Lee Jun-young with his hands on his head or reaching towards his forehead. Due to his very short hair, his normally less noticeable hairline became clearly visible, leading some netizens to speculate whether he might be experiencing an “M-shaped baldness.”
Netizens commented, “So Jun-young has an M-shaped hairline,” “His hairline is really noticeable after cutting it short,” “He can get treatment for his hairline later,” “He’s still cute even in the military,” and “He even became a company commander trainee.”
However, it is impossible to determine whether there is actual hair loss or balding based solely on the photos. Neither Lee Jun-young nor his agency has responded to these speculations.
Lee Jun-young officially began his military service on July 21 this year, reporting directly to the army training center without any public events. Before enlisting, he shared a video of himself shaving his head. At the time, he also penned a letter to fans, bidding them farewell and revealing that he had many thoughts after receiving his enlistment date. He concluded, “As always, I will be my true self, go well, and return safely.”
Before his enlistment, he had just completed the JTBC drama “New Employee, Chairman Kang,” which aired in July this year. In the series, he took on a dual role, portraying two souls, Hwang Jun-hyun and Chairman Kang Yong-ho, coexisting in one character, showcasing his acting prowess.
Although his entertainment activities are currently on hold due to military service, fans won't have to wait long to see him on television again. A new drama featuring him is set to air after his enlistment: “Four-Handed Sonata,” co-starring Song Kang (송강), will premiere on the 29th at 9:10 PM.
“Four-Handed Sonata” is set in an arts high school, depicting a youth story of friendship, love, competition, and growth among a group of musical prodigies. Lee Jun-young plays Choi Jung-yo, a piano genius who buries his talent due to his difficult upbringing. He will form an intense rivalry with Kang Bi-oh, a piano prodigy played by Song Kang, with both actors driving the plot forward.
