Ryeowook finishes military service

K-pop boy band Super Junior’s member Ryeowook was discharged from the military on Tuesday, the second to last Super Junior member to complete the mandatory service.

Clad in a military combat uniform, the 31-year-old reported his completion of military service to the Army 37th division in the county of Jeungpyeong, about 130 kilometers south of Seoul, bidding farewell to fellow members of a military band.

“Long time, no see,” Ryeowook told a group of journalists and fans who gathered to greet him on his return. “I wept a lot. I felt so sad to part with my friends after spending one year and nine months together.”

Addressing his fans, Ryeowook said: “I am returning now as Super Junior’s Kim Ryeo-wook from Sgt. Kim Ryeo-wook. I have sung a lot in the military band. But now I want to go back onstage as part of Super Junior.”

He also extended his thanks to the fans who came out to greet him, pledging an active presence onstage.

Other Super Junior members - Leeteuk, Eunhyuk, Siwon and Donghae - also came to the scene to welcome Ryeowook.

He also sung a part of his 2016 solo single “The Little Prince” to his fans gathered there.

Ryeowook will resume his music career with a meeting with fans Thursday, titled “Return to the Little Prince.”

Yonhap