If you didn’t know, all eligible South Korean males above the age of 18 will have to enlist in the military. Many idols have already fulfilled and completed their mandatory military duties, including BTS Jin and J-Hope. This year, many more male idols will enlist in the military and serve their duty to their country.
As South Korean laws allow men to delay their enlistment until age 30 (according to South Korea’s age system), idols born in 1996 will have to enlist this year if they haven’t. Here are ten male idols expected to enlist in the military in 2025:
Hoshi (호시), Wonwoo (원우) & Woozi (우지) (SEVENTEEN (세븐틴))
Given the overwhelming number of members in SEVENTEEN, it’s not surprising that the group will have a lot of members enlisting in the military in the same year. Members Hoshi, Wonwoo and Woozi were all born in 1996 and are expected to announce their enlistment plans soon. In the meantime, the group is currently embarking on their “Right Here” world tour.
Doyoung (도영) (NCT (엔시티))
While NCT boasts several 1996-liners, Doyoung is the only one of South Korean descent. He’s expected to serve in the military later this year, likely in the first quarter. However, before his enlistment, he’ll join the other NCT 127 members in their upcoming world tour, “NEO CITY – THE MOMENTUM”, which will kick start in Seoul later this January.
Rie (리에) (OnlyOneOf (온리원오브))
OnlyOneOf member Rie will also begin his mandatory military service in 2025. The idol has already announced his plans, revealing he will officially enlist as an active-duty soldier on 20th January (Monday) and fulfil his service in the Army’s military band. Rie is the first member of OnlyOneOf to enlist in the military.
Kang Daniel (강다니엘)
As another idol born in 1996, Kang Daniel is also expected to enlist in the military in 2025. The former WANNA ONE member has yet to announce his enlistment plans, but it’s likely he’ll enlist after he completes his ongoing tour. The singer recently concluded his Japanese leg of the tour, with the next show scheduled for February.
Jinjin (진진) (ASTRO (아스트로))
ASTRO’s Jinjin has yet to reveal his military enlistment plans, but he’s expected to serve in the military later this year. In the meantime, the ASTRO leader recently announced his first solo concert, “JINJIN [JIN LAB Vol.1: Find Your Groove]”. The two-performance concert will take place in mid-February in Seoul.
I.M (아이엠) (MONSTA X (몬스타엑스))
I.M is the only member of MONSTA X yet to fulfil his mandatory military duties. Born on 26th January 1996, the rapper is expected to enlist in the military in the first quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, his fellow MONSTA X members have all enlisted, with Joohoney (주헌), Kihyun (기현) and Hyungwon (형원) scheduled to be discharged later this year.
B.I (비아이)
Rapper B.I is also expected to join his fellow 1996-liners in the military later this year. However, given his 22nd October birthday, the former iKON member does have until the end of the year before he has to enlist. The soloist has also said he’ll prolong his enlistment until the last possible date to focus on his career.
Youngjae (영재) & Yugyeom (유겸) (GOT7 (갓세븐))
As a 1996-liner, GOT7 member Youngjae is expected to fulfil his mandatory military duties later this year. However, his groupmate Yugyeom has hinted that he will also enlist in the military in 2025, a year earlier than required. Meanwhile, the two are preparing for GOT7’s long-awaited comeback, scheduled for 20th January (Monday).
Sources: Koreaboo (1)(2)(3), Hauterrfly
