Was Song Joong-ki's military service mandatory or voluntary?

Song Joong-ki's military service was mandatory. All able-bodied South Korean men between the ages of 18 and 35 are legally required to serve in the South Korean military for a period of time ranging from 21 to 24 months. Song Joong-ki was no exception, as he was drafted into the military in August 2013 and officially discharged in May 2015.

Before enlisting, Song Joong-ki was already one of South Korea's most popular actors. He was even named the most popular actor in South Korea for the year 2012, and his fame only increased during the two years of his mandatory military service. His popularity grew so much that he was promoted to the rank of public service officer, which was a rare honor for a celebrity soldier.

Despite being a celebrity, Song Joong-ki had to abide by the same regulations and laws as all other Korean men during his mandatory military service. He served as a public service officer at the Seoul Regional Military Manpower Administration, and he also participated in various activities to promote active military service throughout the country.