Rain joins South Korean army

(CBS/AP) In what can only be compared to the day when Elvis joined the military, Korean pop star Rain, born Jung Ji-hoon, started his South Korean military career to the tears of hundreds of fans.

"Thank you for the 10 years of love," Rain reportedly told the crowd who had gathered outside the base in Uijeongbu, Korea to send the beloved singer off.

Rain is not expected to be treated any differently from any other man enlisted in the army. All able-bodied South Korean men are required to serve two to three years. Since men typically enlist in their early 20s, at the age of 29 Rain will be one of the older new members. He announced his intention to enlist on Sept. 27, 2010 during a press conference for his movie, "The Fugitive: Plan B."

"It is so sad that Mr Rain will be gone for two years," a Japanese fan named Sachiko told Reuters. "I am sure all his fans back in Japan would have wanted to be here today. So we want to make sure we see him off properly."

The pop sensation has been named one of the most influential people in the world by TIME magazine and was a three time winner of the "TIME 100 Poll" in 2006, 2007 and 2011, thanks to his highly successful career in music and acting. His third album, "It's Raining," sold a million copies in Asia after its release in 2004 according to Reuters. He also had roles in American films "Speed Racer" and "Ninja Assassin."