Hong Jong Hyun temporarily left his acting and modeling career as he is required to enlist in the army. The 31-year-old started his mandatory military service as an active soldier in December 2019, and now he has returned to civilian life. 

The actor's agency, C-Jes Entertainment, confirmed that Hong Jong Hyun had been discharged on Thursday, June 17. On his return, he personally greeted his fans with a warm message that was released by C-Jes. 

"I have returned safely after completing my mandatory military service," Allkpop quoted the star as saying. "It is true that I faced struggles during my time in the military, but I was also able to gain priceless experiences. You all must have also endured very difficult struggles in the past year, I hope that there will only be happiness for us all from now on."

Hong Jong Hyun also mentioned that when he was in the army, the letters sent by the fans have given him so much strength that is why he was able to endure. He added that reading those messages had been healing and pushed him to complete his military service successfully. 

As his supporters waited for him after a long while, he promised to make a comeback not just in acting but in other areas in the entertainment scene. Korea's Break News reported that the actor is now reviewing some potential projects that he would do in the future and meet with his fans again.    

Meanwhile, Hong Jong Hyun debuted as a model before becoming an actor. One of his last projects before entering the army was a KBS2 drama titled Mother of Mine, and he was well-received for his role as Han Tae Joo.

Aside from dramas, he also participates in variety shows from time to time, and some of the programs he appeared in include Running Man, Law of the Jungle, and We Got Married: Season 4