South Korean actor Lee Dong-ha, now drawing attention in SBS drama Agent Kim Reactivated, once relinquished his Italian citizenship so he could complete Korean military service. He was born in Italy to Korean parents. However, Lee returned to Korea at age three and later chose the country where he had built his life.

Thekabarnews.com—South Korean actor Lee Dong-ha is gaining fresh attention through the SBS action drama Agent Kim Reactivated. However, a personal decision he revealed nearly a decade ago has also returned to the national spotlight.

Lee said he relinquished his Italian citizenship because he wanted to complete mandatory military service in South Korea. This is the country where he had lived since early childhood.

The actor discussed his background during a September 2016 appearance on SBS Power FM’s Cultwo Show. When the hosts asked why he had given up Italian citizenship, Lee directly connected the decision with his intention to serve in the Korean military.

“I gave up my Italian citizenship so I could complete military service,” Lee said, according to a contemporary Sports Seoul report.

Lee explained that both of his parents are Korean citizens. They were studying in Italy when he was born, giving him an Italian birthplace and citizenship connection.

Lee lived there only until he was three years old. His family then returned to South Korea, where he grew up and eventually established his acting career.

“My parents are Korean, and I had no reason to live in Italy,” Lee said while explaining why he chose Korean citizenship and military duty.

His remarks recently resurfaced as viewers became interested in the actor behind Chief Nam. Chief Nam is one of the supporting antagonists in Agent Kim Reactivated.

Lee portrays Chief Nam, the chief of staff serving Joo Kang-chan, played by Joo Sang-wook. The character helps intensify the conflict surrounding Manager Kim, a seemingly ordinary father. Manager Kim has a concealed history as an elite operative.

According to SBS World, the revenge-action drama follows Manager Kim, played by So Ji-sub, as he returns to his dangerous former life to rescue his missing daughter. The series premiered on June 26, 2026.

South Korea requires eligible male citizens to complete national service. The country’s military manpower administration currently lists 18 months of service for the Army and Marine Corps. In addition, service lasts 20 months for the Navy and 21 months for the Air Force.

Lee has not publicly detailed his branch, rank or exact service period in the reports covering his citizenship decision. His 2016 comments nevertheless confirmed that military service shaped his choice of nationality.

Lee began his professional career in the Korean production of the musical Grease in 2008. He later expanded into television. He appeared in dramas such as It’s Okay, That’s Love, One More Happy Ending, Signal, The World of the Married and Agency. The Korea JoongAng Daily also documented his 2008 stage debut.

His renewed popularity has now brought an earlier decision back into focus. This choice is one that Lee presented not as a publicity gesture, but as a practical commitment to the country where he intended to live and build his future.