Korean superstar Rain will be able to pursue his singing and acting career for several more months following the deferral of his military entrance date to next year.

The Military Manpower Administration (MMA) said late on Thursday that it will push back Rain's military entry to an unspecified date next year from the originally set September 28 of this year.

All Korean men serve two years of mandatory military service, mainly during their early to mid twenties, but Rain, 28, had initially held off serving his military duties to study for a master's degree.

He then submitted an application this May requesting for another postponement for reasons relating to his career. Rain is one of the main stars of upcoming TV series "Domangja s1" set to premiere in late September.

Following the MMA's decision, Rain may appear in one more drama or movie before joining the military next year, according to his agency.

An official with upcoming film "Red Scarf," a remake of the Korean movie of the same name from 1964, had said last month that there is a high chance Rain will play the main character in the story which tells of the life and comradeship of various soldiers.

The movie would mark his second local big screen role, after critically acclaimed director Park Chan-wook's "I'm a Cyborg, But That's Okay" while he has also appeared in Hollywood pics "Speed Racer" and "Ninja Assassin."

Rain, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, is considered one of the most successful Korean stars in the entertainment business throughout Asia.

Reporter : Choi June-yong yjchoi01@
Editor : Jessica Kim jesskim@
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