Kim Young Dae to Enlist This April at Age 30 — Here’s What He Said Before Leaving

Actor Kim Young Dae is officially preparing to begin his mandatory military service this April, marking a temporary pause in a career that has steadily grown in both domestic and global popularity.

According to reports released on March 25, the actor, born in 1996, will enlist as an active-duty soldier after receiving a Grade 3 physical evaluation. His expected discharge is set for October 2027.

A Long-Awaited Enlistment Decision

While many male celebrities of his age group have already completed or begun their service, Kim Young Dae’s enlistment timeline was slightly delayed. Despite being ready to serve earlier, his enlistment date was reportedly postponed due to the timing of his official draft notice.

This was not a sudden decision. In multiple past interviews, Kim Young Dae had consistently expressed his intention to serve as an active-duty soldier, emphasizing his desire to fulfill his national duty properly.

His Mindset Before Enlistment

What stands out even more is his perspective going into this new chapter.

In an interview following the release of his recent project Dear X, Kim Young Dae spoke candidly about how he views military service not as a setback, but as a reset.

He shared that he hopes to return with the mindset of a rookie actor again, ready to challenge himself from the beginning. Rather than fearing a loss of momentum or status, he described enlistment as an opportunity for growth, reflection, and a fresh start.

He also mentioned fellow actors Kim Do Hoon and Kim Yoo Jung as people he would like to see visit him during his service, offering a glimpse into his close industry friendships.

Career Pause — But Not the End of His Momentum

Before enlistment, Kim Young Dae has already completed filming and released his planned projects, including Dear X. However, there are currently no confirmed pre-produced works scheduled during his military hiatus.

This means fans may not see new content from him for a while, making this enlistment feel even more significant.

Why Fans Are Paying Attention

Kim Young Dae has built a strong reputation through roles in popular dramas, gaining recognition for both his visuals and steadily improving acting range. His calm confidence about “starting over” after service is already resonating with fans, many of whom see this as a sign of long-term growth rather than a pause.

As he prepares to step away for military duty, the focus is not just on his absence, but on what kind of actor he will return as.

And if his own words are any indication, Kim Young Dae is already thinking about his next chapter.