A popular K-drama actor’s appearance change after enlisting in the military has become a hot topic on social media.
The actor in question is Kim Young Dae, best known for his roles in K-dramas like “Extraordinary You,” “Shooting Stars,” and “Dear X.”
When most celebrities join the military for their mandatory service, they undergo a drastic visual change after shaving their hair into that signature military buzz cut. But in the case of Kim Young Dae, he apparently didn’t have to stick to that basic look.
During a recent military event, the actor was seen sporting a modern tapered side part — a hairstyle he has worn for the first time in his career.
This small change made such a significant difference in Kim Young Dae’s appearance that many fans couldn’t recognize him at first glance. The look quickly went viral on social media, with netizens urging the actor to keep his hair the same even after his discharge from the military.
“Kim Youngdae is probably the only Korean celeb i have seen get finer in the military. He should def keep that hair,” one fan wrote on October 6, 2026.
With the look winning over even longtime followers, fans are already counting down to his discharge — and hoping the tapered side part stays.
