SKorean pop star Rain discharged from military

Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2011.

there is something really wrong with the world today :) or in 2011

Rain Rain Go Away, come again another day....

Rain also did a clever skit with Steven Colbert about that Time 100 list. Google it if you have a chance - funny stuff.

The guy's actually got some moves, especially because he's a solo act (like Kyary Pamyu Pamyu). Groups like Kara generation or AKB generation or whatever rely on an army of clones moving and singing in unison.

Not a fan, personally, and isn't less than two years not quite the minimum? Maybe it depends on what branch you're in. In any case, while I think he's overrated, he DOES, as ribstick said, have some moves at least and a decent sense of humor. In his case if he's referred to as a 'tarento' at least he has some, unlike most others.

Is this another indirect dig at Japan?

"mandatory ( military ) service"

I have a feeling that if military service was not mandatory, they wouldn't get enough volunteers in Korea these days.

his discharge after 21 months of mandatory service.

Well I hope he doesn't end up like Elvis Presley. He was drafted, did his time in the Army and had a nice movie career until the drugs took over and he died bloated on a toilet in Memphis.

I guess he will make a Korean version of the Elvis movie "GI Blues" someday.

I'm conflicted about conscription, as it has some benefits despite coming off as form of indentured servitude.

I can see your point. But at least this guy has had some skin in the game in terms of real life other than the make believeworld that so many celebrities seem to revolve in. This guy has more common sense I would imagine than a Beiber or Lohan or any other similar in age celeb in my opinion based on him serving and doing his duty to his country rahter than using his position to get out of it.

He was an entertainment soldier.He got also a preferential treatment while serving.

move aside, Jay-Park hehe

I never saw him :)

umm is he considered good looking by asian standards? if so i'm disappointed

Also in my opinion, he isn't good looking at all. Anyways, there's not an unique standard of beauty. Probably some Asians find him good looking, others disagree.

I'm conflicted about conscription, as it has some benefits despite coming off as form of indentured servitude. Either way, good see to see him out and hopefully he can continue to be entertaining.

One pop star that won't need security guards, if he's had the real Korean military training...they're a tough bunch!

There will always be some men who will try to avoid military service were it is mandatory. It was so in the US when there was the draft, but there are still patriots who enlist. South Korea would be the same. There have been American born Korean men who have returned to Korea, including entertainers. Some of these men have volunteered to serve even though it is not required of them. I don't believe in forced service, but I understand why it is there. As far as Rain is concerned, he will be fine. He has made a few mistakes, but who hasn't. He may not be the the best looking Asian man, but he has a lot of charisma and talent to make him appealing worldwide. He has done charity work in the past and I believe he will continue to do so in the future. I wish him well.

Not a fan, personally, and isn't less than two years not quite the minimum? Maybe it depends on what branch you're in. In any case, while I think he's overrated, he DOES, as ribstick said, have some moves at least and a decent sense of humor. In his case if he's referred to as a 'tarento' at least he has some, unlike most others.

Rain is a star and a great performer. He is extremely popular all the way from Korea to Indonesia. Now that he is out of the army, he can re conquer his place as top star in Asia. Maybe Taiwan or HK can produce someone to match him!

At least they still make men in SK. Complain about rain all u want but he is a pretty cool and funny guy. We have is Exile and SMAP. Btw his ninja movie was pretty cool

Rain also did a clever skit with Steven Colbert about that Time 100 list. Google it if you have a chance - funny stuff.

Thanks ribstick, it is a great clip.

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/168351/may-09-2008/stephen-vs--rain

umm is he considered good looking by asian standards? if so i'm disappointed