The world of K-pop is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry, capturing the hearts of millions globally. However, beyond the glitz and glamour of performances lies a significant aspect of every K-pop idol’s journey: military enlistment.
For male idols, mandatory military service in South Korea is not just a duty but a transformative period that can shape their careers and personal lives. The duration of South Korean mandatory military service is 18-21 months, and that is the equivalent of not seeing your bias or favourite actor for 1.5 or around two years! Here is the list of K-pop idols enlisting for the military in 2024:
1. WOODZ (UNIQ)
WOODZ or Jo Seung Youn (조승연) military enlistment was on 22nd January 2024. Three days before he enlisted, the singer brought his first world tour, ‘OO-LI’, to a close with a grand finale show at the Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium in Seoul.
Immediately after successfully concluding his finale show, the artist shaved his head to begin preparing for his enlistment. After he received his basic training, the musician carried out his mandatory duties as a member of the military band.
2. Woo JinYoung
Woo JinYoung (우진영), a former member of D1CE, military enlistment was on the 4th of March 2024. This step marks a new phase in his work front as well as his personal life.
The 26-year-old idol shared his enlistment announcement directly to his huge fan-following via his personal media handle. Taking to Instagram, he wrote a sincere message regarding his commitment to fulfilling his duty to his country and stated that he would be enlisting in the South Korean Army on the 4th of March.
The ‘Closer’ singer’s announcement said, “Hello, this is Woo Jin-young. I have received the call of my country, and on March 4, 2024, I will be [starting] my military duty. You must have been surprised by this sudden news, but as a proud South Korean man, I will go and return in good health! I will energetically carry out my duty so that on the day I return, I can greet you as a cooler and more mature Woo Jin-young. To the many people who have cared for me and supported me up until now, please spend your days happily and have fun while waiting for me!! Until the day that I return, please stay healthy, everyone.”
3. Hwang Min-hyun
NU’EST member Hwang Min-hyun (황민현) began his mandatory military enlistment on the 21st of March 2024. PLEDIS Entertainment issued an official statement via Weverse.
This statement conveyed the agency’s gratitude for the continuous support from fans and provided details regarding the enlistment process.
4. Song Kang
Song Kang (송강) agency released an official statement confirming his mandatory military enlistment. In their statement, Namoo Actors, Song Kang’s agency, expressed deep gratitude to the fans who consistently show love for the actor.
The popular actor from ‘My Demon’ left for his mandatory military enlistment on the 2nd of March 2024, and will be discharged in another 1.5 years. To all his fans out there, don’t worry as you can still see him on Netflix.
Great news to all K-pop fans! If you’ve been keeping tabs on your favourite K-pop idols and actors, you must know that there are a few of them who will be discharged from the military this year.
Here is the list of 10 K-pop idols, and actors to complete mandatory military service in 2024:
1. Jin (BTS)
Jin or Kim Seok-jin (김석진) is the eldest and first member of the Bangtan Boys or BTS to enlist in military service. He started the duty on 13th December 2022 and is expected to finish serving on 12th June 2024.
2. Y (Golden Child)
Y or Choi Sung-yoon (최성윤) from the Golden Child group registered for the military on 20th March 2023. He reportedly became a military unit commander along with Twenty-Five Twenty-One actor Nam Jo Hyuk. The singer is expected to return on 19th September 2024.
3. Kang Tae Oh
On 31st August 2022, actor and singer, Kang Tae Oh (강태오) announced at a fan meeting that he would be joining the military on 20th September 2022. The Extraordinary Attorney Woo star will return on 19th September 2024.
4. J-Hope (BTS)
J-Hope or Jung Ho-seok (정호석) is the second BTS member to be drafted on 18th April 2023. Earlier, Soompi reported that he attained the role of an assistant instructor at the prestigious 36th Infantry Division Recruit Training Center in Wonju, Gangwon Province. The artist will complete his service on 17th October 2024.
5. Ong Seong Wu
Strong Girl Nam Soon actor Ong Seong Wu (옹성우) officially joined the army on 17th April 2023. He is predicted to complete the service on 16th October 2024.
6. Minhyuk (MONSTA X)
Minhyuk or Lee Minhyuk (이민혁) is the second member of MONSTA X to begin his mandatory military service on 4th April 2023, after leader Shownu, who joined the army in July 2021. Minhyuk will complete his service on 3rd October 2024.
7. Jay B (GOT7)
Jay B or Lim Jae-beom (임재범) will return to greet fans after his mandatory military service on 1st November 2024, as he enlisted in the army on 2nd February 2023.
8. Jinyoung (GOT7)
Park Jin-young (박진영) or Jinyoung is predicted to return to the entertainment industry on 7th November 2024. Jinyoung started his service on 8th May 2023.
9. Kang Seung Yoon (WINNER)
The WINNER member under YG Entertainment, Kang Seung Yoon (강승윤) will reportedly return from his military duties on 11th December 2024, as began the service on 20th June 2023. Kang Seung Yoon is currently serving in the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.
10. Song Min Ho (WINNER)
Song Min Ho (송민호) aka WINNER’s Mino began his mandatory military service on 24th March 2023. He is set to make a comeback on 23rd December 2024.
Mandatory military service in South Korea surely affects the K-pop industry. Fans have to wait for their idols to complete their service, but they continue to support them and look forward to their future projects.
Sources: Outlook, Allkpop, Weverse, Song Kang Official Fan Cafe.
Sabrina Azahar contributed to this article.
