Rain announced a new engagement yesterday – national military service of around

Rain announced a new engagement yesterday – national military service of around two years starting October.

Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-Hoon, said on his webpage that he would undergo basic training at Uijeongbu, north of Seoul, before starting the 22-month-long mandatory military service.

“I will be serving in the army… the date was finalized this morning,” he wrote on his website, adding he does not yet know where he will serve.

“I thank you all for supporting me for the past 10 years.”

Before joining the military, Rain will stage a farewell concert in Seoul on October 9. The 29-year-old is one of South Korea’s biggest celebrities and has a big following across Asia.

South Korea, which has remained technically at war with North Korea since their 1950-1953 conflict, requires all eligible men to serve in the military, although candidates can defer their service.

Source AP