BTOB fans have known since last month that Yook Sungjae will be leaving Master In The House. But no one expected that the reason for his departure is because of his military service.
Last month, BTOB's label confirmed that Sungjae would be leaving the show. At the time, Cube Entertainment said the Goblin actor is also currently filming for the K-drama Ssang Gap Pocha. He is also preparing for the release of his first solo album. The K-drama is expected to premiere soon. Sungjae's solo debut album, Yook O'Clock, dropped on March 2.
Many BTOB fans, also called Melodys, thought Sungjae would be leaving Master In The House to focus on his music and acting. Others believed that he doesn't need to leave if he is set to film more K-dramas. They pointed out that Sungjae's co-star Lee Seung Gi managed to film a lot of TV series while staying with the SBS variety show.
During his and Lee Sang Yoon's last episode on Master In The House, Sungjae reveals the real reason why he decided to take a break in the small screen. The 24-year-old K-pop idol shared his plans after he stepped down from the show. The BTOB maknae caught many fans in surprise when he said it is to prepare for his military enlistment.
"Well, this year I have to serve my military duty. So I'll be spending some time for myself before I have to go away for that," he said.
Many fans never thought that he plans to enlist early since he is only 24 years old. Nonetheless, Melodys expressed their support to the singer.
Master In The House is particularly special for Sungjae as it gave him two awards. He received the Excellence Award from the 2018 SBS Entertainment Awards and the SNS Star Award at the 2019 SBS Entertainment Awards, both for his role in the show.
Though the rest of the cast were sad about the departure of the two original cast members, Sungjae and Seung Gi managed to exchange jokes the night before the emotional "graduation" of the singer/actor and Sang Yoon. Sungjae told Seung Gi that he would probably turn into a role model soldier like the Vagabond actor when he completes his military service.
Seung Gi responded by saying that the former Inkigayo host wouldn't resist talking about his military experience once he gets out. Fans of Master In The House have known that the cast used to complain about Lee Seung Gi always bringing up in the show his time in the military.
Meanwhile, if Sungjae will enlist this year, he would be the fourth member of BTOB in the military. The group leader Eunkwang enlisted in August 2018. He was followed by Changsub in January 2019 and Minhyuk a month later. Member Hyunsik is also expected to enlist this year as he turned 28 years old on March 7.
