Find out which K-pop artists joined the military uniform this year after enlisting in the army
One of the moments already awaited by fans of the most diverse K-pop boy groups is the farewell that precedes the idols’ departure to the army. This is because, in South Korea, military enlistment is mandatory for men, and men must enlist until they are 28 years old at the latest.
In the case of idols, they can delay enlistment until they are 29 years old, and some of them, until they are 30, due to the amendment in the Military Service Law known as the “BTS Law”, which grants artists who received government medals for improving their cultural position of the country, the right to begin service in the Armed Forces after the thirtieth birthday.
As in 2018, BTS was awarded the Order of Cultural Merit, the group’s members were able to follow the rules of the bill approved in 2020, which meant that, Sugawho turned 30 in March 2023, could begin basic training to fulfill mandatory military enlistment in South Korea last Friday, the 22nd.
But besides Suga, an extensive list of idols started wearing military uniforms this year. For this reason, RECREIO brought together 5 more idols below who signed up in 2023. Check them out!
1. Kai
Taking the fandom by surprise, on May 3 this year, SM Entertainment announced that Kaia member of EXO, would not participate in the promotional activities for the group’s next comeback, as it would begin the process of his military enlistment.
The idol, who is the second-to-last member of the group to enter the army, temporarily said goodbye to his group members and fandom as he began military training on May 11.
2. J-Hope
On April 18, J-Hope became the second BTS member to enlist. The idol introduced himself as an active soldier at the 36th Infantry Division’s recruit training center in Wonju City, Gangwon Province, South Korea.
Just over a month later, Bighit announced that the artist had received a new position in the military, becoming an assistant instructor at the 36th Infantry Division’s training and recruitment center.
3. Minhyuk
Becoming the second member of MONSTA X to enlist in the army, Minhyuk announced that it would start the service on April 4th — and it did so. On that date, group members released photos sending the idol to the recruit training center.
Basic training concluded on May 10 after five weeks at the 5th Infantry Division recruit training center. Photos of the completion ceremony were shared on the group’s social networks. Remember!
4. Jinyoung
Jinyoung, from GOT7, announced his military enlistment on April 5th through a letter to fans posted on his personal Instagram stories. Read again!
Hello everybody. This is Park Jinyoung.
The weather got hotter. Everyone is well?
You all must have been very surprised after coming across my enlistment news through reports.
As it has been revealed, I will enlist in the military on May 8 to fulfill my military duties.Everyone must be very worried, but I felt very confident and reassured when I met you all. That’s why I promise to return more mature and in good health after experiencing a lot while thinking of everyone.
Well then, let’s meet again soon.
Thank you always, and I love you.”
As reported, on May 8 he officially enlisted as an active soldier, being accompanied by Yugyeom It is Jay B. See the photo of the three!
5. Mino
Mino, from WINNER, enlisted on March 24th. The information was released by the idol’s agency, YG Entertainment, which shared: “Today, [Song Mino] will enter the army training center and after receiving basic military training for a certain period, he will carry out his military service as a public service employee.”
With this, he became the third member of WINNER to enlist, as he Kim Jinwoo It is Lee Seung Hoon have already finished their military service.
Source: Recreio
