In February, MBLAQ’s main vocalist G.O enlisted in the military quietly, and it seems like fellow member Mir is following in his footsteps.
In an announcement that shocked fans, Mir (real name Bang Cheol Yong 방철용) disclosed that he will be enlisting for his mandatory military service today (Thursday, 14th July). The statement was released on MBLAQ’s official fan cafe.
It reads:
“The suddenness of this announcement might take a lot of you by surprise so I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you earlier. All Korean men must enlist when it’s their time and I’ve accepted that mine has come. Please don’t worry too much about me.
I will be entering military training on 14th July. For someone like me, I have received a lot of love. (Enlistment) will be a time of growth both as a person and in my skills. Thank you always for your love and support. I will carry out my duties to the best of my abilities and return a better, more mature Mir.”
Many fans were shocked as Mir is the maknae (youngest) of the group, and he is enlisting before 29-year-old leader Seungho, who is approaching the maximum age of conscription in South Korea, which is 30 years old.
MBLAQ debuted in 2009 but in December 2014, after the release of their album “Winter“, Lee Joon and Thunder left the group. The 3-membered group then made public their 8th extended play, “Mirror” in 2015. Since then, they’ve been focusing on individual activities.
Mir is expected to be discharged in July 2018 and Seungho is expected to enlist before the end of next year. As such, it would be at least 5 years before fans would be able to see MBLAQ as a whole again.
