Kang Tae Oh, born Kim Yoon-hwan, is a South Korean actor and singer who rose to international fame for his starring role in the hit television series Extraordinary Attorney Woo in 2022. 

Shortly after his breakout performance, the talented actor put his career on hold to fulfil his mandatory military service. 

During this time, fans eagerly awaited his return, wondering how he would navigate the challenges of serving his country while maintaining his passion for acting. Now that he has been discharged, this article sheds light on all of their curiosity.

Kang Te Oh enlisted in the military in 2022

On August 31, 2022, Kang announced at a fan meeting that he would enlist for his mandatory military service on September 20, 2022. He underwent basic military training at the 37th Infantry Division in Jeungpyeong-gun, North Chungcheong Province. 

After completing his basic training, he was an assistant training instructor with the same division. During his 18-month military service, he took on significant responsibilities. 

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He had the honour of reading the memorandum at last year’s memorial service on Hyeonchungil (Memorial Day in South Korea), paying respects to fallen soldiers. Additionally, he served as an assistant instructor at the Recruit Training Center.

Despite the demands of military life, he remained focused on his goal of returning to the entertainment industry upon completing his service. 

On March 19, 2024, after 18 months of active duty, Kang was finally discharged from the military, ready to embark on the next chapter of his acting career.

Kang Tae Oh, during his time in the military

Kang’s time in the military was a transformative experience that allowed him to reflect and grow both personally and professionally. 

Despite being at the peak of his career, he embraced the opportunity to serve his country, using this period to confront his flaws and cultivate positive habits.

The military provided a unique environment for self-improvement, away from the limelight of the entertainment industry.

Kang Tae Oh during his time in the military (Source: X)

Kang acknowledged that his time in service coincided with a significant transition in his life, marking the end of his twenties and the beginning of a new decade. This period allowed him to mature and gain valuable perspectives shaping his future endeavors.

Emerging from his military service with renewed purpose and discipline, Kang expressed his determination to impress audiences with exceptional projects moving forward. 

He recognized the unwavering support from his fans and expressed gratitude, promising to deliver compelling performances that will captivate and inspire audiences.

Kang Tae Oh enlisted after wrapping up ‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’

Kang’s breakout role as the charming Lee Jun-ho in the wildly popular 2022 K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo catapulted him to stardom. 

The legal drama, which followed the story of an autistic rookie lawyer navigating the professional world, struck a chord with audiences worldwide and became a ratings juggernaut. 

As the lovable paralegal Lee Jun-ho, his chemistry with the lead actress, Park Eun-bin, was undeniable, and his portrayal of a supportive colleague endeared him to viewers.

The show’s success showed Kang’s acting prowess and ability to bring depth to his character.

However, despite the dizzying heights of his newfound stardom, Kang decided to put his blossoming career on hold to fulfill his mandatory military service obligations. 

Just months after wrapping up the immensely successful drama in August 2022, Kang enlisted in September of the same year.

His willingness to temporarily step away from the limelight at a time when his popularity was skyrocketing demonstrated his commitment to his responsibilities as a South Korean citizen. 

Kang Tae Oh’s upcoming drama ‘Potato Research Institute’

As Kang prepares for his much-anticipated return to the entertainment industry following his military discharge, fans eagerly await news of his next project. 

After his release, reports have emerged that the actor is positively considering starring in the upcoming romantic comedy-drama Potato Research Institute.

Set against the unconventional backdrop of a rural potato research institute, this series promises a refreshing and quirky premise.

He is in talks to play the lead role, portraying a character who, despite being blessed with striking good looks, is an outsider with an unexpectedly charming personality.

Kang Tae Oh’s career as an actor is gradually gaining traction over time (Source: My Music Taste)

If confirmed, Potato Research Institute would mark Kang’s first significant acting endeavor since his breakout success in the hit drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo. 

This project would allow him to showcase his versatility by taking on a lighthearted romantic lead, a departure from his previous role. Adding to the anticipation, Potato Research Institute boasts the creative team behind the critically acclaimed series Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung. 

Fans are excited to witness Kang’s return to the small screen in a role that combines his natural charm with the opportunity to explore a unique and quirky character. 

As the details of Potato Research Institute continue to unfold, anticipation builds for Kang’s next chapter in his acting career, where he can showcase his growth and versatility in a fresh and exciting project.

Kang Tae Oh’s other career works

While Kang’s breakout role in Extraordinary Attorney Woo propelled him to international stardom, his journey in the entertainment industry spans over a decade, with a diverse range of projects showcasing his versatility as an actor.

His acting debut came in 2013 with the web series After School: Lucky or Not, where he appeared alongside fellow members of the actor group 5urprise, formed by his then-agency Fantagio.

 He then transitioned to supporting roles in television dramas, such as the 2015 MBC weekend drama Flower of Queen.

Demonstrating his appeal beyond South Korea, Kang also starred in the lead role of the Korean-Vietnamese joint drama Forever Young, gaining recognition in Vietnam.

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In 2019, Kang took on a historical drama, The Tale of Nokdu, earning critical acclaim for his performance in the period piece. The same year, he made a special appearance in the MBC drama Love with Flaws and appeared in the Netflix original series My First First Love.

Kang’s versatility continued to shine in 2020 when he portrayed an art student in the JTBC drama Run On, showcasing his range in contemporary roles. 

That year also marked a significant career move as he joined the agency Man of Creation (M.O.C) after his previous contract expired.

In 2021, Kang appeared in the fantasy drama Doom at Your Service and the one-act drama Drama Special – The Effect of One Night on Farewell, further diversifying his portfolio.

Kang’s talent for memorable guest appearances was evident in 2022 when he made a special appearance in the drama Thirty-Nine, playing the role of a friend to one of the main characters.

Ewan McGregor is a famous Scottish actor who has captivated audiences with his versatile performances across various roles, including several portraying gay characters. 

This made some people wonder about his natural sexuality. In this article, we look at whether McGregor is gay. We also discuss his movie roles and real-life relationships today.

Ewan Mcgregor does not identify as gay

While McGregor has portrayed several LGBTIQ characters throughout his illustrious career, the actor himself does not identify as gay. He is known for maintaining a relatively private personal life, rarely delving into discussions about his sexuality or relationships. 

Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi (Source: National Today)

However, his marital status serves as a clear indication that he is straight — he has been married to two women so far. 

So, While his on-screen personas may have fueled speculation about his personal life, separating an actor’s roles from their real-life identities is essential. His dedication to his art should be celebrated rather than used as a basis for assumptions. 

Ewan McGregor has portrayed multiple gay characters over the years

Ewan McGregor has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to portraying diverse characters, including several prominent roles, throughout his career. 

One of McGregor’s most notable characters was Curt Wild in the 1998 film Velvet Goldmine, directed by Todd Haynes. 

In this cult classic, McGregor delivered a captivating performance as a fictionalized version of Iggy Pop, exploring themes of sexuality, identity, and the glam rock scene of the 1970s. 

Then, in 2009, he starred opposite Jim Carrey in the dark comedy I Love You Phillip Morris, playing the real-life character of Phillip Morris, a con man who fell in love with his cellmate. 

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His portrayal of Morris’s complex journey of self-discovery and his unwavering pursuit of love showcased his ability to bring depth and nuance to a character that could have easily been reduced to caricature.

More recently, in the 2021 limited series Halston, he took on the titular role of the iconic fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick, who was openly gay. 

His performance captured the designer’s flamboyant persona and his struggles with fame, addiction, and personal relationships, offering a poignant and honest depiction of a trailblazer in the fashion industry.

Additionally, McGregor also portrayed similar character Jerome in the 1996 film The Pillow Book, further demonstrating his versatility and commitment to representing diverse narratives on screen.

Ewan McGregor defended playing a gay character in ‘Halston’

McGregor’s decision to play the iconic fashion designer Halston, who was openly gay, in the Netflix series Halston sparked a discussion about casting and representation in the entertainment industry. 

While some argued that gay actors should play gay roles, he defended his choice to take on the part.

He acknowledged the concerns raised by actor Billy Porter, who had previously suggested that straight actors should stop playing gay characters, citing the limited opportunities for LGBTQ+ actors to portray their own lived experiences. 

McGregor expressed respect for Porter’s perspective, recognizing that he has not faced the same challenges or discrimination due to his sexuality.

However, he argued that Halston’s sexuality was not the series’ primary focus and that the role was more about portraying the designer’s broader life and career. 

He felt comfortable taking on the part because the character’s sexuality was just one aspect of his identity rather than the central narrative.

Ultimately, McGregor’s willingness to engage with the discussion and acknowledge different perspectives emphasizes the importance of considering the specific context of each role rather than adhering to rigid rules that may inadvertently limit artistic expression and representation.

Ewan McGregor got married in the late 90s

In the late 1990s, as McGregor’s career was taking off and he was gaining fame for his roles in films with gay representations, he made a significant personal decision that grounded him amidst the whirlwind of success and the temptations that accompany it.

During those early days of fame, he exuded a self-admitted, confident, almost cocky persona. However, this bravado was balanced by his decision to marry young and start a family.

Ewan McGregor with his daughter Clara McGregor (Source: People)

In 1995, he tied the knot with Eve Mavrakis, a French-Greek production designer he had met while working on a British TV legal drama. 

Just five months after the premiere of Trainspotting in 1996, McGregor and Mavrakis welcomed their first child, a daughter named Clara. He fondly recalls having Clara in his lap as a baby while promoting Trainspotting at the Cannes Film Festival.

This early commitment to building a family life alongside his burgeoning career highlights McGregor’s ability to prioritize and balance his personal and professional aspirations and set his gay rumors to rest.

Ewan McGregor is now married to his second wife

McGregor’s personal life took a significant turn in recent years, leading him to marry his second wife, Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Their relationship blossomed from an on-screen romance to a real-life love story.

In late 2016, McGregor and Winstead met on the set of the FX series Fargo, where they were cast as love interests during the show’s third season. 

At the time, both were married to their respective spouses – McGregor to his first wife, Mavrakis, and Winstead to her then-husband, Riley Stearns.

However, as their on-screen chemistry translated into a deep connection off-screen, their marriages eventually ended, paving the way for them to pursue a relationship together. 

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After nearly four years of dating, he and Winstead took a significant step in solidifying their commitment to one another.

In 2021, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Laurie. This milestone began a new chapter in their lives as a family. In April 2022, McGregor and Winstead exchanged vows, officially becoming husband and wife the following year.

McGregor’s journey to finding love again with Winstead showcases human relationships’ complexities and unpredictable nature. While his first marriage played a significant role in his life and career, his connection with Winstead blossomed organically from their shared passion for their craft.

The decision to remarry and start a new family with Winstead reflects McGregor’s willingness to embrace change and his openness to new experiences, even in the later stages of his life and career. 

James Van Der Beek is an American actor who has been active in the entertainment industry since 1992. This veteran actor has garnered a considerable fan following over the years due to his roles in series like Dawson’s Creek and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.

Van Der Beek has an active following of 1.5 million followers on Instagram, where he doesn’t shy away from showing how invested he is in his family. Through his social media, fans can quickly see how devoted he is to his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children.

Just recently, he celebrated the 12th birthday of his son Joshua and posted a video containing collages and a caption that melted everyone’s hearts.

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He wrote, “12 years old today. You make me laugh, you make me think, you make me a better person. Wise beyond your years and yet an eternally playful spirit… You are kind, fair, and thoughtful, and your take on the world always adds a new dimension I never would have recognized on my own. I cherish our adventures, your questions, and even the highly questionable “facts” you’re so fond of dispensing ❤️ I love your sense of humor, your high weirdness, and every minute I get to spend as your dad. Thanks for being you, bud. Don’t ever change for anyone but yourself. I love you and couldn’t be more proud of you.”

Through this caption, we can see the overflowing love Van Der Beek has for his son, which is also reflected in his parenting. He mentioned how his son is fair and thoughtful, which signifies that the actor has done a good job parenting.

James Van Der Beek’s six children

Van Der Beek has an extensive and happy family, and 5 kids proudly call him father. They are named Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

Their first daughter, Olivia, was born on September 25, 2010, and they welcomed their second child, Joshua, on March 13, 2012. Two years later, Annabel was born on January 25, 2014, followed by Emilia, born on March 23, 2016.

James van Der Beek with his wife and children (Source: Instagram)

Van Der Beek then welcomed their fifth child named Gwendolyn on June 15, 2018, followed by Jeremiah, born on October 2021. Before Jeremiah was born, James’ wife Kimberly miscarried in November 2019 after announcing their pregnancy on Instagram.

Therefore, the couple who shared everything on social media waited around five weeks before announcing the birth of their son. Their children are mostly seen on social media as their parents regularly update them.

James Van Der Beek married the love of his life in 2010

James and Kimberly met while they were on a trip to Israel in 2009. They immediately fell in love and started dating immediately after.

A year later, they received the good news of Olivia’s arrival and married on August 1, 2010. Their wedding was intimate and took place at the Kabbalah Center near Dizengoff Plaza in Tel Aviv, Israel.

James revealed all about their first encounter and how they continued their relationship in an Instagram post on August 1, 2020. This post was dedicated to his wife Kimberly on their 10th wedding anniversary.

Through this post, he also revealed how he asked her what she was looking for in a relationship, to which she replied she wasn’t looking for one. Six months later, he revealed they were living together, and then things took a turn with them getting pregnant and getting married.

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Through this post, he expressed his love and respect for his wife. He wrote, “Our bravery, your tenderness, and your unwillingness to settle for anything less than what can and ought to be…. You’re the best human I know. I love you, and I look forward to earning your partnership for years to come.”

James and Kimberly have now created a family of eight and live happily under one roof. They also actively share their experiences, travels, and dates on their social media accounts.

Through their public diaries, fans can see that the couple are very much in love and have a perfect bond with each other. They have been happily married for almost 15 years now.

Who is James Van Der Beek’s wife Kimberly?

Kimberly is also involved in the entertainment industry, just like her husband. She is a professional actress and producer who is known for her involvement in projects like Teenage Paparazzo, Home Movie: The Princess Bride, and Heads Up: The Disappearing Art of Vaginal Breech Delivery.

After her involvement with her husband, she has not been very active on the entertainment scene. However, she runs a podcast titled Bathroom Chronicles with her co-host, Peggy Rometo.

Kimberly is not James Van Der Beek’s first wife

Kimberly is James’ perfect wife, but she is not his first. Before Kimberly got hold of his heart, James was married to actress Heather Ann McComb since 2003.

They were engaged in early 2003 and married on July 4th, 2003, in Malibu in the presence of close friends and family. Van Der Beek’s colleagues Michelle Williams, Soleil Moon Frye, and Busy Phillips were also in attendance.

James Van Der Beek celebrating fifth anniversary with ex-wife Heather Ann McComb (Source: Just Jared)

The couple were happily married for almost 6 years before calling it quits. Van Der Beek filed for divorce in the fall of 2019 after separating in April of the same year.

The pair did not have any children of their own and didn’t explain the reason for their divorce. However, they said they do not have any bad blood and remain close friends.