Lee Jun Young has made his first public stage appearance since beginning his mandatory military service, and his surprise performance has given fans a glimpse of the actor and former U-KISS member in uniform. He appeared at a local festival as part of the 35th Infantry Division’s military band, where he sang and even showed off his dance skills.
The appearance took place on September 13 at the 20th Jangsu Korean Beef and Apple Festival in Jangsu County, North Jeolla Province. Wearing the band’s red uniform with white trousers, Lee looked noticeably different from his pre-enlistment appearances, sporting a closely cropped haircut and a slightly fuller face.
Lee Jun Young Performs With Military Band
Lee Jun Young appeared onstage as a member of the 35th Infantry Division’s military band during the festival’s celebratory performance. While his military role required a disciplined appearance, the actor quickly showed his natural stage presence once the music began. He performed several songs during the event, including J.Y. Park’s “Honey,” for which he also performed the choreography.
Footage from the performance showed Lee initially standing alongside his fellow band members before loosening up and dancing energetically as the song progressed. His ability to sing while performing the choreography also drew attention, particularly because Lee has had fewer opportunities to perform onstage since establishing himself primarily as an actor.
THE ONLY GOOD THING THAT THE MILITARY GAVE ME IS THAT MY SINGER JUNYOUNG IS BACK 🥹😭🥹😭#이준영 #LEEJUNYOUNGpic.twitter.com/z5RYzcTrTJ
— ۟ (@2junyl) September 2, 2026
From U-KISS Member To Military Band Performer
Lee Jun Young originally debuted as a member of U-KISS in 2014 before expanding his career into acting. Over the years, he became known for appearances in dramas and films, including D.P., Mask Girl, The Impossible Heir, Melo Movie and Weak Hero Class 2.
His surprise military-band performance therefore brought back a part of his idol career that audiences have not seen as frequently in recent years. Videos recorded during the festival were shared across social media and online communities, where his performance and appearance quickly attracted attention. The stage also highlighted how naturally he transitioned between his military responsibilities and his long-established experience as a performer.
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Lee Jun Young Enlisted In July
Lee Jun Young enlisted as an active-duty soldier on July 21, 2026. After completing basic military training, he began serving with the 35th Infantry Division’s military band. Photos from his training completion ceremony had previously shown him in uniform and revealed that he had served as a company commander trainee during training.
His latest appearance marks one of the first public updates since beginning his service. The military band performance also comes only around two months after his enlistment, giving fans an unexpected opportunity to see him performing again.
MILITARY BAND LEE JUNYOUNG OH I LOVE SEEING YOU THIS CUTE PERFORMING 🥺❤️🔥 LOOK AT HIM ENJOYING THE PERFORMANCE!! 😭❤️#이준영 #LEEJUNYOUNG pic.twitter.com/fQoKx9SYMb
— ۟ (@2junyl) September 13, 2026
Four Hands, Two Sonatas Keeps Him On Screen
Although Lee Jun Young is currently serving in the military, viewers can continue watching him through projects completed before his enlistment. He is currently appearing in tvN’s Four Hands, Two Sonatas, where he plays piano prodigy Choi Jeong-yo opposite Song Kang.
The drama allows Lee to remain visible onscreen while he completes his military duties. Meanwhile, his latest festival appearance has offered fans a very different glimpse of the actor — this time performing in a military uniform and reconnecting with his idol roots through music and dance.
Final Take
Lee Jun Young’s surprise performance at the Jangsu festival has given fans an early glimpse of his life during military service. From singing with the 35th Infantry Division’s band to dancing to “Honey,” the appearance brought his performer side back into focus just two months after enlistment.
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