Actor Kim Jae Wook says he is having a difficult time readjusting to civilian life after his time in the South Korean Army.

At Tuesday's press conference for the South Korean television show "Who Are You," in which Kim stars alongside 2PM rapper Taecyeon, the actor opened up about how the transition following his military discharge has not been as smooth as he had expected.

"I still have the military painted on me." Kim said.

"They say it takes time for an actor to feel comfortable acting again after his release from the military, but I thought I would be an exception. It turns out, however, that I do need time, and I′m still trying to adjust not only to acting but also to being a member of society again."

All eligible males between the ages of 18 and 35 are legally required to enroll for between 21 and 24 months of army service in South Korea (the length of mandatory enrollment changes by several months depending on which branch of the military that they serve in) in a practice known as conscription.

Already famous for his roles on the television shows "Coffee Prince" and "Mary Stayed Out All Night," Kim served in the army from July 2011 until last April, according to the publication eNEWS.

The actor said it was his respect for director Jo Hyun Tak and curiosity about playing a ghost that drew him to "Who Are You."

"I thought a lot about what piece and character I should return with," Kim recalled.

"'Who Are You' carried a lot of question marks, but I chose it due to my trust in director Jo Hyun Tak. I was also attracted to the fact that I would be acting as a ghost. It felt like I would be able to express what I want the way I want in a character the likes of which has never been put on before."

The actor plays Officer Lee Hyung Joon, a policeman killed in a tragic accident who returns as a ghost to protect his lover Si On, played by So E Hyun.

Kim's co-star, 2PM rapper Taecyeon calls his role on "Who Are You" a learning experience.

"As an actor, I am still a rookie," Taecyeon said. "As I am just starting out, there are many things that I hope to pick up."