So Jinsaid tonight that he had been in the military. I dont ever remember hearing this before, were there any previous references to this?

Maybe that is where he learned the impressive fight moves he used on Mikhail.

He learned his fighting moves via being a hit man for Sun's Dad (:

Were the pictures of him in his father's home, of him?
Or was his "being in the military" all a cover for why he didn't have any pictures?

I assume, given the highly militarized nature of their society, that all South Korean men are required to perform military service at or around the age of 18. This is the norm throughout much of Asia, Eastern Europe and elsewhere.

I think I saw at least one picture on his fathers wall of him wearing a military uniform. Plus military service is compulsory in South Korea.

His dad had a martial arts trophy of Jin's sitting on the table under the photos. He must have been trained as a kid.

Jin is a kickass Kung-Fo Soldier!

So are all Korean soldiers taught martial arts like that?
100%
That would add another dimension to war movies wouldn't it? Kung-fu soldiers. :)

All eastern armies teach their soldiers martial arts for close-quartered or hand-to-hand combat. Even the U.S. Army teaches some Brazilian Ju-Jitzu techniques.

I think I saw at least one picture on his fathers wall of him wearing a military uniform. Plus military service is compulsory in South Korea.

Is it? I thought it might be, but I wasnt sure.

I'm very curious if Jin actually did serve in the Korean military, or if that was just part of his lie to Sun about his parents. I mean, I know he was lying to her, but it is possible he did serve in the military, isn't it? If so, that makes yet one more ex-military man on the island (along with Sayid of course, Desmond, and Mikhail).

Also, this could set us up yet another interesting Jin flashback in the future.

Has there been any mention of this in any other episodes?

All Korean males gotta serve in the military for at least two years. Usually at some point after they graduate from High School.

As Melikon pointed out, military service in South Korea is compulsory for all males, with few exceptions. As a male only child, it is likely that Jin would have been granted an exception for non-perilous duty and/or reduced service length. For all others, the time spent in the military varies depending on the particular branch conscripted into; the Army and Marines are 24 months; Navy 26; Air Force 27.

Also, there looked to be a picture of Jin in an army uniform in Mr. Kwon's house.

I was actually surprised to see Jin use some martial arts, since he hasn't really been a good fighter before. At least not showing it ;)

The Korean Army does give all of its soldiers some hand-to-hand martial arts training. Depending on what specific job they go into determines if they recieve any higher level advanced training and skills.

Also, there looked to be a picture of Jin in an army uniform in Mr. Kwon's house.

That is correct ...it was on the wall in his fathers house and what is the military connection ......could it be with Patchy.....Sayid.....CIA guy..... I am sure it was noted to be seen in a later flashback

Every male Korean will spend 2 years 2 months and 2 days in the military. There is no exemptions. The well connected just get better assignments. Do not read too much into it.

His dad had a martial arts trophy of Jin's sitting on the table under the photos. He must have been trained as a kid.

I could not see that at all!
On my TV, when Sun says thank you for the tea, I can see only one inch to the left of her shoulder.

I'm very curious if Jin actually did serve in the Korean military, or if that was just part of his lie to Sun about his parents. I mean, I know he was lying to her, but it is possible he did serve in the military, isn't it? If so, that makes yet one more ex-military man on the island (along with Sayid of course, Desmond, and Mikhail).

Also, this could set us up yet another interesting Jin flashback in the future.

Has there been any mention of this in any other episodes?

Hey Baby-I don't think this has been addressed in the series yet, not to my knowledge. But it is a good question to ask. I'm also curious as to how/when Jin picked up his mad King-fu skillz. As a boy, a soldier, an enforcer? His character is very interesting to me, and somehow he and Sawyer have become even better looking, devastatingly so. :kiss: