JYJ’s Kim Jaejoong was discharged from the 55th Infantry Division of the army in the Gyeonggi Province in the morning of December 30.

During the ceremony, he stated, “I’m thankful that so many people came. Thanks to my comrades, I have been safe and sound. Those outside who waited and supported me until the end have given me strength to work hard during my service. I’m older than the friends I trained with, so I tried to work even harder.”

He shared, “There are too many people I’d like to see, but I want to meet up with my family, staff, and friends. What I’ve wanted to do most was to see my fans. I’m glad there will be a fan meeting tomorrow,” referring to a fan meeting to celebrate his discharge on December 31 at the COEX Live Plaza in Gangnam, Seoul.

Furthermore, Kim Jaejoong expressed that he gained a renewed attitude toward his country, saying, “I didn’t know this before I enlisted, but I realized that I exist because of my nation. There are citizens because there is a country.” He continued, “I hope the remaining soldiers will be able to safely conclude their military life.”

He also confessed that he watched many girl group performances throughout his service in the army and said with a laugh, “I liked many girl groups like TWICE and BLACKPINK. They gave me a lot of strength.”

With various events lined up for his fans from the start of the new year, the singer explained, “I’m scheduled to see and greet my fans tomorrow. I’m also thinking of holding a concert or a tour in the future. I will continue my promotional activities well even after being discharged.”

On the day of the ceremony, around 500 local and foreign fans powered through the freezing weather and stood by in front of the base from early morning to be able to congratulate Kim Jaejoong on his discharge.

Kim Jaejoong enlisted in the army on March 31, 2015 as a new recruit in Paju city. After finishing basic training, he began fulfilling his duties in the military’s 55th Infantry Division.

He is the first JYJ member to have completed his military service, with Park Yoochun currently serving as a public service worker and Kim Junsu set to enlist on February 9, 2017.

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