The mandatory military enlistment that all male K-pop idols must undergo can be particularly challenging for their fans, who often find the wait interminable. Depending on the division in which they enlist, the duration of their service ranges from 18 to 21 months. This creates a prolonged period of anticipation for their return.
This wait can feel especially lengthy for fans eagerly awaiting new music, performances, and updates from their favourite idols. Currently, several popular idols are serving their mandatory military duties. To help fans keep track of their status, here is a list of K-pop idols with their expected discharge dates.
October 2024
- Minhyuk (민혁)(MONSTA X/몬스타엑스): 3rd October 2024
- J-Hope (제이홉)(BTS/방탄소년단): 17th October 2024
November 2024
- Jay B (제이비)(GOT7/갓세븐):1st November 2024
- Jinyoung (진영)(GOT7): 4th November 2024
- Dongsung (동성)(N.Flying):7th November 2024
- Kai (카이)(EXO/엑소): 7th November 2024
- Jaehyun (재현)(N.Flying): 24th November 2024
December 2024
- Sejun (세준)(Victon): 12th December 2024
- Yoon (윤)(WINNER): 20th December 2024
January 2025
- Jay (제이)(iKON/아이콘): 17th January 2025
- Joohoney (주헌)(MONSTA X): 21st January 2025
February 2025
- Kihyun (기현)(MONSTA X): 21st February 2025
May 2025
- Hyungwon (형원)(MONSTA X): 13th May 2025
- Changjo (창조)(TEEN TOP/틴탑): 19th May 2025
June 2025
- V (뷔)(BTS): 10th June 2025
- RM (아르엠)(BTS): 10th June 2025
- Jungkook (정국)(BTS): 11th June 2025
- Jimin (지민)(BTS): 11th June 2025
- Heejun (희준)(former KNK/크나큰): 11th June 2025
- Shinwon (신원)(PENTAGON/펜타곤): 20th June 2025
- Suga (슈가)(BTS): 21st June 2025
October 2025
- Taeyong (태용)(NCT/엔시티): 10th October 2025
May 2026
- Jaehyun (정윤오)(NCT/엔시티): 3rd May 2026
June 2026
- Jeonghan (윤정한)(SEVENTEEN/세븐틴): 25th June 2026
Source: Koreaboo(1)(2), Manila Buletin
Sabrina Azahar and Justin contributed to this article.
