South Korean actor and singer Lee Jun Young has officially confirmed a major turning point in his career, announcing that he will enlist in the military later this year while also stepping away completely from the music industry. In a candid recent interview, the multi-talented performer revealed that his return to music last year will also be his last, marking the end of his journey as a recording artist as he shifts his full focus toward acting.

Lee Jun Young stated that his most recent solo project, the mini-album Last Dance, was intentionally named to reflect this final decision. The release, which came after a five-year break from music, now stands as his farewell to a career path that once ran parallel to his acting work.

“I honestly have no future plans as a singer,” he said. “The previous album, Last Dance, was my last. That is also why I named the album Last Dance.”

The announcement marks a significant shift for the 30-year-old star, who has built a reputation for versatility across both music and screen performances. While fans had long expected him to continue balancing both careers, Lee has now made it clear that acting will be his sole professional direction moving forward.

His decision comes after an exceptionally intense and productive year. In 2025, Lee Jun Young was involved in multiple high-profile projects across both streaming platforms and television networks. He appeared in five separate productions, including three Netflix series—Melo Movie, Fooled, and Weak Hero Class 2—as well as a special role in Wonkyung and the KBS 2TV drama 24 Hour Health Club. The sheer volume of work earned him widespread recognition and critical acclaim, including Best Actor at the Asia Artist Awards 2025 and the Excellence Award for Best Actor at the KBS Drama Awards.

Reflecting on the past year, Lee described it as both rewarding and physically exhausting. While he expressed gratitude for the opportunities and achievements, he also admitted that the workload had pushed him to his limits.

“2025 was enjoyable, but also very tiring,” he said, noting the intensity of his schedule and the pressure of continuously switching between demanding roles.

According to the actor, there were periods during filming when his physical condition began to deteriorate due to extreme fatigue. At one point, overlapping production schedules left him with only one or two days off per month. He revealed that he often filmed after just two or three hours of sleep, a routine that eventually took a serious toll on his health. In one particularly alarming instance, he even fainted due to exhaustion.

“I was filming with almost no rest,” he explained. “There was a moment when my physical stability started to collapse.”

Despite these challenges, Lee continued working through his projects, driven by professional commitment and expectations from multiple productions running simultaneously. However, the experience ultimately led him to reassess his long-term priorities, particularly as he prepares for mandatory military service.

Lee Jun Young is scheduled to enlist in the military this year under South Korea’s conscription system. When asked whether he had any regrets about temporarily stepping away from entertainment, he responded with unexpected calmness.

“I don’t feel regret,” he said. “On the contrary, I think I will feel relieved. It has been physically exhausting.”

The actor also acknowledged that his perspective on enlistment has changed over time. He noted that in earlier years, he might have approached military service with a more carefree attitude. However, now that he is older and more experienced in the industry, he is more conscious of his physical health and long-term well-being.

He expressed particular concern about the strain his career has placed on his body, especially his knees and back, which have been heavily impacted by years of demanding filming schedules and performance routines.

“Now I’m more focused on how I can go through this period while maintaining my health,” he said.

In addition to his acting commitments, Lee also surprised fans by openly confirming his retirement from music, a decision that had not been fully expected despite his recent return to singing after a long hiatus. His 2024 mini-album Last Dance had marked his first solo music release in five years and was initially seen as a potential new beginning for his musical career.

However, Lee clarified that the project was always intended as a closing chapter rather than a restart.

“I don’t have any future plans as a singer,” he reiterated. “Last Dance was exactly what it sounds like—it was my final album.”

His decision effectively brings an end to his dual-career identity as both actor and singer, consolidating his professional focus entirely within the acting industry. Fans who followed his early career in music have expressed mixed emotions, with many acknowledging both disappointment and understanding as he shifts toward a more sustainable path.

Industry observers note that Lee Jun Young’s choice reflects a broader trend among multi-career entertainers in South Korea, where increasing production demands and tighter schedules often make it difficult to maintain parallel careers. His experience highlights the physical and mental strain that can come with rapid success across multiple entertainment sectors.

Despite stepping away from music, Lee’s acting career remains highly active. He is set to take on lead roles in two upcoming dramas, including JTBC’s weekend series New Employee Chairman Kang and the anticipated project Four Hands. He confirmed that these works were filmed in advance in preparation for his upcoming military service.

“I filmed some projects ahead of time because I knew I would be enlisting this year,” he said.

Even as he prepares for a temporary hiatus from the entertainment industry, Lee’s recent success suggests that his acting career is entering a strong new phase. His performances over the past year have solidified his position as one of the most promising young actors in Korean television and streaming content.

For now, Lee Jun Young appears to be stepping into a period of transition—closing one creative chapter while preparing for another, shaped by service, recovery, and reflection. While his departure from music marks the end of an era for fans of his earlier work, his words suggest a clear sense of acceptance and purpose about what comes next.

Rather than framing the shift as a loss, Lee describes it as a necessary reset—one that allows him to prioritize health, longevity, and a more focused artistic path.