South Korean pop singer Rain salutes his fans before he joins the army in front of an army recruit training centre in Uijeongbu, north of Seoul October 11, 2011.[Photo/Agencies]

SEOUL - South Korean actor and singer Rain joined the army on Friday to fulfill military duty required for all able-bodied South Korean men.

The 29-year-old star, whose real name is Jung Ji-hoon, will receive basic training in Uijeongbu, north of Seoul, before beginning his 22-month-long mandatory military service.

Hundreds of fans not only from South Korea but also from across Asia, many of them holding placards saying "We will loyally wait for you," gathered to bid farewell to their much-adored star.

"Thank you all for coming. I appreciate that you have shown me much love for the past 10 years," said Rain.

Rain, one of Asia's most popular celebrities, made his Hollywood movie debut with "Speed Racer" in 2008 and starred in "Ninja Assassin" in 2009.

In South Korea, all eligible men over 20 must serve about two years in the military.