If you’ve been a fan of Korean celebrities for quite some time, you’ll know a thing or two about South Korea’s military enlistment. Every able-bodied man is required to serve in the country’s military by the age of 28 and even K-pop idols and K-drama actors have to do their duty like everyone else!
Yes, there are very few exceptions like Korean citizens who excel in sports or arts on an international level are granted exemptions. Now, let’s get to know which Korean stars will be taking a break from the spotlight due to their military service obligations this year.
GOT7 Jinyoung Is Enlisting Next Month
The agency of GOT7’s Jinyoung, BH Entertainment, has announced that the idol actor will undergo basic military training on May 8 and serve as an active-duty soldier to fulfill his military duty.
Following this news, Jinyoung wrote a letter to fans sharing the announcement and assuring them that he will come back more mature and in good health. We’ll miss you, Jinyoung!
Korean Celebrities Who Has To Enlist This 2023
Male celebrities who were born between 1994-1995 are set to enlist in the military either this year or next year. Military service is mandatory for all able-bodied male citizens in South Korea and must be fulfilled before the age of 28 unless there are special circumstances.
Earlier this year, Nam Joo Hyuk (“Weightlifting Fairy, Kim Bok-joo“) had to say farewell to his fans and enlisted on March 20th and BTS J-hope is also set to enlist in the military as an active-duty soldier.
Lee Do Hyun
Lee Do Hyun, the rising actor born in 1995, has been stealing hearts left and right with his outstanding performances in various dramas such as “The Glory” and “Youth of May.” He’s part of the best actors of his generation however, it’s time to bid him farewell, at least for a while, as he’s scheduled to enlist in the military this year.
EXO Kai and Sehun
The Maknae line (youngest members) of EXO which are Kai and Sehun, born in 1994, has been keeping busy with their recent activities. They starred in the fun-filled travel variety show “EXO’s Travel the World on a Ladder in Namhae” alongside their fellow members. However, they will soon be taking a break from their schedules as they are expected to enlist in the military this year.
Despite this news, fans can still enjoy Kai’s recently released album “Rover”, which has been receiving love and support from all over the world. Moreover, Sehun is also set to star in an upcoming K-drama called “All That We Loved!”
Hwang Minhyun
Hwang Minhyun, a multitalented rising star born in 1995, has made a name for himself in both the K-drama and music industry. His recent role as the second male lead in the tvN fantasy “Alchemy of Souls” made fans swoon over his charm. However, Minhyun will have to take a break from his blossoming career as he’s set to enlist in the military this year.
SEVENTEEN S.Coups and Jeonghan
SEVENTEEN’s S.Coups and Jeonghan, two members of the group’s Hyung line, will soon have to say goodbye to their fans as they fulfill their military duties. Both born in 1995, these talented boys are loved by many around the world for their amazing performances in SEVENTEEN. The group is set to release their new comeback “FML” on April 24th, which fans can look forward to!
WINNER Kang Seung Yoon
Kang Seung Yoon, one of the idols who has impressed the audience with his acting skills in K-dramas like “Prison Playbook” and “Kairos“, will also be taking a break from the entertainment scene as he enlists this year. Being a 1994-liner, he is among the male celebrities who have to fulfill their mandatory military service. Currently, fans can catch him as a mentor in the K-pop survival show “Fantasy Boys!”
NCT Taeyong and Taeil
Born in 1995, Taeyong and Taeil are members of the beloved boy group NCT. These two talented performers are also expected to fulfill their military service this year. Fans might recall their appearance in the travel variety show “NCT LIFE in Gapyeong” with their other NCT 127 members last 2021.
It’s really sad to bid goodbye to our favorite actors and idols even just for a while so let’s make sure to support them on all their projects and by watching their shows on KOCOWA+!
4 Comments
The most important one you almost skip and you just mention briefly J HOPE OF BTS .
Since when Kai, Sehun and Taeil are born in 1995? Kai – Jan 14, 1994, Sehun – Apr 12, 1994, Taeil – Jun 14, 1994.
And they are all mentioned in the same category as Taeyong who is from Jul 01, 1995 and has whole year more than them before needing to enlist.
They don’t expect fans to read this article…
People are allowed to publish any article these days without checking the facts
Oh my god thank you, I thought I was crazy, like « since when were they born in 95 !?!? »