'School Violence Controversy' Jo Byung-gyu Announces "Pausing Acting Activities This Year to Enlist in the Military"

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Jo Byung-gyu (30), who is engaged in a legal battle with a school violence whistleblower, directly announced his plans to enlist in the military.

On the 6th, YouTube channel 'One Mic' uploaded a video titled "I'm Going to the Army Soon... Jo Byung-gyu Met on Daehak-ro, Untold Stories."

The video features an interview with Jo Byung-gyu, who is currently performing on stage in the play 'Visitation.'

When asked why he is working independently without an agency, Jo replied, "I stayed at one company for about 13 years and had a truly beautiful parting. The company was with me from my debut through both prosperous and difficult times, so I feel very grateful and thankful. Since I have never expressed this clearly before, I want to take this opportunity to say thank you. I am still in good contact with my former agency."

He continued, "It's not easy to find and join a new company after staying at one agency for too long. There are points of hesitation, so I am currently thinking carefully. Also, since I will be going to the army soon, I'm considering joining an agency after returning from service. This year, after the musical 'Opera,' I am ending my acting activities and preparing for military enlistment," drawing attention.

He added, "Actually, I applied to become a CAT (Cultural Affairs Team) soldier two years ago. I passed the English test but failed the physical fitness test. If I had gone then, I would have enlisted very quickly. But if I had gone, I might not have been able to perform 'Visitation,' so I am thinking of it positively. Currently, I am considering enlisting in the Army."

Furthermore, Jo Byung-gyu reflected, "It has already been 16 years since I started acting. From a young age, I agonized over what I needed to do to act well, living so anxiously and sensitively that it was painful. Of course, those times helped me find my path quickly, but I also feel sorry for my younger self. Through self-deprecation, I lost much of my humanity, and family conflicts arose. I wouldn't come home when told to act, and I did everything crazy. When playing a king, I went to the person's grave, poured soju, and got arrested. I even went there again, dancing with a knife while begging, 'Please possess my body.' Living with that mindset, I spent my early to mid-20s and met 'The Tale of Nine Tailed,' achieving my desired goal. But I also regret it. I can't watch my past acting performances. You can see the purpose in them. Eyes full of ambition, lines delivered with such force—it was really harsh. Since I had nothing, I struggled so desperately. It's pitiful."

He said, "Still, what I am grateful for from that time is realizing quickly that to act well, one must understand the production mechanism. As a result, acting became easier and more comfortable. I also achieved my goals in life and gained mental peace. With the leisure to care for others, it seems things have gone even better."

Meanwhile, Jo Byung-gyu has been continuing a legal battle with whistleblower A since being involved in allegations of school violence perpetration in 2021.

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*This content was translated by AI.