Singer-actor Kim Hyun-joong, who is mired in a legal scandal with his former girlfriend, canceled his first military leave which was scheduled early September, local news reported on Wednesday.

The 29-year-old, who began his mandatory military service in May, did not take the leave that was granted, but the reason is unknown, Kim’s agency Key East was quoted in the report.

Kim Hyun-joong (OSEN)

According to Kim’s acquaintance, he is keeping a low profile before the third hearing at the court scheduled on Sept. 23.

The legal battle flared up in April when Kim’s ex-girlfriend, identified only by her surname Choi, filed a damages suit for 1.6 billion won ($1.34 million) in compensation for the alleged psychological trauma and physical assault on her.

In response, Kim countersued Choi for 1.2 billion won for false accusation, blackmailing, defamation and breach of contract where Choi failed to conceal their incident from the public even after receiving 600 million won in settlement last year.

By Ahn Sung-mi (sahn@heraldcorp.com)

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