Lee Jun-young enlists July 21, days before tvN drama 'For Hands' premieres August 29

Lee Jun-young enlisted in the Army on July 21, entering the training center privately with no official send-off ceremony.

His new tvN Saturday-Sunday drama For Hands (포핸즈) airs its first episode on August 29 at 9:10 PM, taking over the slot from Osakhan Yeonae. He wrapped filming before enlisting.

In the drama, Lee plays Choi Jung-yo, one half of a friendship anchoring the story. For Hands unfolds at an arts high school for music prodigies, tracking its young cast through friendship, romance, competition, and growth. Song Kang, Jang Gyu-ri, Kim Joo-heon, and Lee Sang-jun also star.

Before enlisting, Lee sent fans a handwritten letter. Through his agency Billions, he said: "I will return healthy. See you in the winter of 2028!" He added a pre-emptive "Merry Christmas, Happy New Year X2"—a nod to his January 20, 2028 discharge date.

He left a message for viewers ahead of the premiere: "There are many beautiful scenes, and the emotional parts blend with classical music like a piano melody — please look forward to how the friendship between Bi-o and Jung-yo unfolds."

Lee debuted in 2014 as Jun (준) of group U-KISS. His acting work spans Buam-dong Revenge Club (2017), D.P., Mask Girl, Weak Hero Class 2, Totally Fooled, and films Brave Citizen and Wasteland. Earlier in 2026, his JTBC drama New Employee Kang Chairman—in which he played dual roles as Hwang Jun-hyun and Chairman Kang Yong-ho—hit its highest viewership rating.

For Hands premieres August 29 on tvN. Lee will be in the Army when it does.