After military duty, Korea's top stars choose streaming over TV
A noticeable shift is underway in how Korea's top male stars stage their return to the entertainment industry after completing mandatory military service. Increasingly, their chosen comeback venue is not a major TV network, but a global streaming platform. This marks a sharp departure from the well-worn path that once defined how a returning star rebuilt public visibility. Actor Song Kang, who…
After serving in the military, South Korea's top male entertainers are choosing streaming services over traditional television networks to make their comeback in the entertainment industry. This shift represents a significant change from the previous norm of returning stars rebuilding their public visibility through major TV networks.
Actor Song Kang, who gained international fame through Netflix's popular series "Sweet Home," exemplifies this emerging trend. He is set to return with the upcoming series "Four Hands, Two Sonatas," premiering on August 29 and streaming globally on Netflix. This marks his first acting project since being discharged in October 2025, following a nearly two-year absence.
Interestingly, "Four Hands, Two Sonatas" also serves as a final project for Lee Jun-young, who co-stars in the series and completed his military service on July 21. Despite his recent return to civilian life, Lee Do-hyun, known for his award-winning role in the 2024 hit film "Exhuma," continues to enjoy popularity. He is also returning to Netflix for the fantasy series "Grand Galaxy Hot."
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- After military duty, Korea's top stars choose streaming over TV koreatimes.co.kr
