Lee Wan enters Korean military today

Korean actor Lee Wan makes a salute before entering the military training camp in Nonsan, South Korea on July 12, 2010. [Asia Economic Daily]

Korean actor Lee Wan, the younger brother of top Korean actress Kim Tae-hee, entered the Korean army today as part of fulfilling the country's mandatory military services.

"I am not trembling or nervous", the actor told reporters prior to entering the Nonsan military training camp around 1 p.m. Monday afternoon. "I was scared even up until two days ago but now I feel calm".

Lee talked about the reaction, or lack thereof, shown by his famous female sibling, saying "I told my sister Tae-hee that I was going to the military and she seemed unfazed by the news".

"She is shooting a film right now and I think I'll be out on a break when it opens in theaters", the actor added. "I hope we'll get to watch the movie together".

He also apologized to his fans about his sudden departure, saying he will make it up to them by appearing in a good acting project after he returns from the military.

The actor, who had been looking for a new role, surprised his fans by announcing last Tuesday that he had decided to enlist after receiving a draft notice.

Lee, whose real name is Kim Hyung-soo, made his debut in the hit TV series "Stairway to Heaven" (SBS, 2003), which starred Hallyu stars kwon Sang-woo, Choi Ji-woo and his sister Kim Tae-hee.

He has since appeared in several other dramas including "In-soon is Pretty" (KBS, 2007) and "Swallow the Sun" (SBS, 2009).

Lee Wan [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Actor Lee Wan salutes fans and reporters ahead of entering Nonsan military training camp in the South Chungcheong Province of South Korea on July 12, 2010 to fulfill his two-year mandatory military service.

Lee Wan [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Actor Lee Wan speaks during a press conference ahead of entering Nonsan military training camp in the South Chungcheong Province of South Korea on July 12, 2010 to fulfill his two-year mandatory military service.

Lee Wan [Park Sung-ki/Asia Economic Daily]

Actor Lee Wan arrives at Nonsan military training camp in the South Chungcheong Province of South Korea on July 12, 2010 to fulfill his two-year mandatory military service.

Reporter/Photographer : Park Sung-Ki musictok@
Editor : Lynn Kim lynn2878@
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