Song Joong Ki is planning to enlist. Later this month, he will join the 102nd Reserves in Chuncheon where he will undergo basic training for active military service. To say goodbye to his fans, the 27-year-old actor released a farewell statement through his agency.

"I received my enlistment notice from the Military Manpower Administration. I will enlist on August 27. I will conclude my promotional activities before then and plan to enter the training facility. I sincerely thank everyone who supported and loved me. Since I can't personally greet and thank every one of you, I am conveying my gratitude through this message. I will return after carrying out my military duties. Until I return and greet you again with a good production, please take care."

The news comes as something of a surprise to his fans because as late as June his agency was denying that he had any enlistment plans.

All Korean males must serve two years of military duty between the ages of 18 and 35, but until recently many celebrities received celebrity recruit status and could fill their two years service by working for the military's public relations unit.

You can see the full story at KdramaStars.com