South Korean singer/actor Kim Ryeowook bid farewell to his beloved fans before entering his mandatory military service. On 11 October, the 29-year-old artist, better known by the mononym Ryeowook, showed up at his fan meeting at Miru Tree Park.
The Super Junior member was spotted in a black jacket and jeans, and extremely short hair. He said: "I'll be back. I'll return in a healthy state on July 2018."
The hashtag WaitingForRyeowook was trending on Twitter, and many fans who were present at the gathering shared photos and videos on the micro-blogging website.
Serve well and comeback safely oppaaaa ㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠㅠ #WaitingForRyeowook pic.twitter.com/OkdXDya07h
— Rekha. (@BonBonHyuk) October 11, 2016
You leaving with this smile is the best gift you can give us... Trusting you'll rock the army ! Fighting !! #WaitingForRyeowook #려욱아사랑해 pic.twitter.com/W7RlYUcF1k
— SylviELF12 (@ploufofaveyron) October 11, 2016
"I will return healthily on July 2018" - #SuperJunior Ryeowook given a warm farewell by fans. Leeteuk was present too. #WaitingForRyeowook pic.twitter.com/3uYQAhDtrr
— KOREA.COM (@KoreaDotComKR) October 11, 2016
Omma Duck teach to his baby ?
— SJ TRENDING (@Super_Junior_05) October 11, 2016
How he have to salute, is very cute??#WaitingForRyeowook #WeWillWaitForYouRyeowook pic.twitter.com/84r75CcGot
[News pict] #WaitingForRyeowook pic.twitter.com/rSAf1UB4pp
— SUPER JUNIOR E.L.F (@SUPERELFS06) October 11, 2016
Ryeowook's MOM and DAD !!!!! #WaitingForRyeowook pic.twitter.com/gGMsYj3P35
— 김종 シ (@kry_haes) October 11, 2016
Ryeowook will go through a series of basic military training for five weeks. Following that, he will be reporting for duty as an active soldier for 21 months.
The Little Prince singer is the tenth member of the boy band to enlist following Kangin, Leeteuk, Heechul, Sungmin, Shindong, Siwon, Eunhyuk, and Donghae. Cho Kyuhyun is also awaiting his enlistment.
Ryeowook was busy fulfilling his engagements before he was admitted into the army. He released his first solo album in January and held a series of successful concerts following that.
Ryeowook's agency, SM Entertainment, had said in a statement: "After completing his Super Junior overseas schedules, Ryeowook is hoping to enlist right away. He plans on enlisting as an active-duty soldier as soon as the enlistment date is confirmed and will faithfully fulfill his military duty."