Kang Tae Oh, born Kim Yoon-hwan, is a South Korean actor and singer who rose to international fame for his starring role in the hit television seriesExtraordinary Attorney Wooin 2022.
Shortly after his breakout performance, the talented actor put his career on hold to fulfil his mandatory military service.
During this time, fans eagerly awaited his return, wondering how he would navigate the challenges of serving his country while maintaining his passion for acting. Now that he has been discharged, this article sheds light on all of their curiosity.
Kang Te Oh enlisted in the military in 2022
On August 31, 2022, Kang announced at a fan meeting that he would enlist for his mandatory military service on September 20, 2022. He underwent basic military training at the 37th Infantry Division in Jeungpyeong-gun, North Chungcheong Province.
After completing his basic training, he was an assistant training instructor with the same division. During his 18-month military service, he took on significant responsibilities.
He had the honour of reading the memorandum at last year’s memorial service on Hyeonchungil (Memorial Day in South Korea), paying respects to fallen soldiers. Additionally, he served as an assistant instructor at the Recruit Training Center.
Despite the demands of military life, he remained focused on his goal of returning to the entertainment industry upon completing his service.
On March 19, 2024, after 18 months of active duty, Kang was finally discharged from the military, ready to embark on the next chapter of his acting career.
Kang Tae Oh, during his time in the military
Kang’s time in the military was a transformative experience that allowed him to reflect and grow both personally and professionally.
Despite being at the peak of his career, he embraced the opportunity to serve his country, using this period to confront his flaws and cultivate positive habits.
The military provided a unique environment for self-improvement, away from the limelight of the entertainment industry.
Kang Tae Oh during his time in the military (Source: X)
Kang acknowledged that his time in service coincided with a significant transition in his life, marking the end of his twenties and the beginning of a new decade. This period allowed him to mature and gain valuable perspectives shaping his future endeavors.
Emerging from his military service with renewed purpose and discipline, Kang expressed his determination to impress audiences with exceptional projects moving forward.
He recognized the unwavering support from his fans and expressed gratitude, promising to deliver compelling performances that will captivate and inspire audiences.
Kang Tae Oh enlisted after wrapping up ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’
Kang’s breakout role as the charming Lee Jun-ho in the wildly popular 2022 K-dramaExtraordinary Attorney Woocatapulted him to stardom.
The legal drama, which followed the story of an autistic rookie lawyer navigating the professional world, struck a chord with audiences worldwide and became a ratings juggernaut.
As the lovable paralegal Lee Jun-ho, his chemistry with the lead actress, Park Eun-bin, was undeniable, and his portrayal of a supportive colleague endeared him to viewers.
The show’s success showed Kang’s acting prowess and ability to bring depth to his character.
However, despite the dizzying heights of his newfound stardom, Kang decided to put his blossoming career on hold to fulfill his mandatory military service obligations.
Just months after wrapping up the immensely successful drama in August 2022, Kang enlisted in September of the same year.
His willingness to temporarily step away from the limelight at a time when his popularity was skyrocketing demonstrated his commitment to his responsibilities as a South Korean citizen.
Kang Tae Oh’s upcoming drama ‘Potato Research Institute’
As Kang prepares for his much-anticipated return to the entertainment industry following his military discharge, fans eagerly await news of his next project.
After his release, reports have emerged that the actor is positively considering starring in the upcoming romantic comedy-dramaPotato Research Institute.
Set against the unconventional backdrop of a rural potato research institute, this series promises a refreshing and quirky premise.
He is in talks to play the lead role, portraying a character who, despite being blessed with striking good looks, is an outsider with an unexpectedly charming personality.
Kang Tae Oh’s career as an actor is gradually gaining traction over time (Source: My Music Taste)
If confirmed,Potato Research Institutewould mark Kang’s first significant acting endeavor since his breakout success in the hit dramaExtraordinary Attorney Woo.
This project would allow him to showcase his versatility by taking on a lighthearted romantic lead, a departure from his previous role. Adding to the anticipation,Potato Research Instituteboasts the creative team behind the critically acclaimed seriesRookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung.
Fans are excited to witness Kang’s return to the small screen in a role that combines his natural charm with the opportunity to explore a unique and quirky character.
As the details ofPotato Research Institutecontinue to unfold, anticipation builds for Kang’s next chapter in his acting career, where he can showcase his growth and versatility in a fresh and exciting project.
Kang Tae Oh’s other career works
While Kang’s breakout role inExtraordinary Attorney Woopropelled him to international stardom, his journey in the entertainment industry spans over a decade, with a diverse range of projects showcasing his versatility as an actor.
His acting debut came in 2013 with the web seriesAfter School: Lucky or Not,where he appeared alongside fellow members of the actor group 5urprise, formed by his then-agency Fantagio.
He then transitioned to supporting roles in television dramas, such as the 2015 MBC weekend dramaFlower of Queen.
Demonstrating his appeal beyond South Korea, Kang also starred in the lead role of the Korean-Vietnamese joint dramaForever Young,gaining recognition in Vietnam.
In 2019, Kang took on a historical drama,The Tale of Nokdu, earning critical acclaim for his performance in the period piece. The same year, he made a special appearance in the MBC dramaLove with Flawsand appeared in the Netflix original seriesMy First First Love.
Kang’s versatility continued to shine in 2020 when he portrayed an art student in the JTBC dramaRun On,showcasing his range in contemporary roles.
That year also marked a significant career move as he joined the agency Man of Creation (M.O.C) after his previous contract expired.
In 2021, Kang appeared in the fantasy dramaDoom at Your Serviceand the one-act dramaDrama Special – The Effect of One Night on Farewell, further diversifying his portfolio.
Kang’s talent for memorable guest appearances was evident in 2022 when he made a special appearance in the dramaThirty-Nine,playing the role of a friend to one of the main characters.
