As we welcome 2025, we’re also gearing up to celebrate the return of some of our favorite male Korean celebrities who have been serving in the military. After completing their mandatory service, they’ll finally be back this year!
For those new to Korean entertainment, here’s a quick rundown on military service: In South Korea, all able-bodied men must enlist by the age of 28. This typically includes those born in 1996 and 1997, though there are rare exemptions for individuals excelling in sports or the arts on an international level. For actors and idols, however, exemptions are uncommon.
Male Celebrities Who Will Be Discharged This Year
EXO Kai and EXO Sehun
The maknaes of EXO, Kai and Sehun, are finally returning this year! Kai began his service on May 11, 2023, as a social service worker and is scheduled to be discharged on February 10, 2025. Sehun enlisted on December 21, 2023, also as a social service worker, with his expected discharge date set for September 20, 2025.
With their return, all EXO members will have completed their military service. Before enlisting, Sehun appeared in the latest season of the group’s travel reality show, “EXO’s Travel the World on a Ladder in Geoje Tongyeong.” Both Kai and Sehun are not just talented idols but also talented actors, having appeared in various K-dramas!
BTS Suga, RM, V, Jimin, Jungkook
2025 marks the return of BTS as all five remaining members—Suga, RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook—are completing their military service and returning to the spotlight!
Suga enlisted on September 22, 2023, as a social service worker and is scheduled to be discharged on June 21, 2025. RM and V both began their service on December 11, 2023, with RM serving as an active-duty soldier and V joining the military police. They are expected to be discharged on June 10, 2025. Jimin and Jungkook enlisted on December 12, 2023, with Jimin serving as an active-duty soldier. Both are set to be discharged on June 11, 2025.
Even during their enlistment, BTS has kept ARMYs engaged with fresh content and music. Fans can watch iconic performances on KOCOWA+, including “BTS BANG BANG CON: The Live,” the “SPEAK YOURSELF” tours at Wembley Stadium, Saudi Arabia, and Seoul, as well as the “LOVE YOURSELF” tours in Europe and New York. Other must-watch content includes “MAGIC SHOP in Seoul,” “BREAK THE SILENCE” (both the movie and docu-series), and “BRING THE SOUL.” Don’t forget to check out BTS V’s acting debut in “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth.“
Lee Do Hyun
Everyone’s new favorite leading actor, Lee Do Hyun, is set to complete his military service this year! He enlisted on August 3, 2023, with the Air Force Military Band and is expected to be discharged on May 13, 2025. Lee Do Hyun started his career with supporting roles, such as in “Still 17,” and has since become a Hallyu star thanks to his impressive performances in dramas like “Youth of May” and “Sweet Home.”
Song Kang
Beloved actor Song Kang is set to return this year! He enlisted as an active-duty soldier on April 2, 2024, and his expected discharge date is October 1, 2025. Song Kang is widely recognized for his roles in popular K-dramas and his time as a host on “SBS Inkigayo” as well as a cast member of “Village Survival, The Eight!”
NCT Taeyong
NCT 127’s leader, Taeyong, is also coming back this year! He began his service in the Navy as an active-duty soldier on April 10, 2024, and is expected to be discharged on December 14, 2025. Taeyong is the first NCT member to complete his military duty. He recently appeared in the group’s travel reality show, “NCT Life in Gapyeong.”
Kim Min Jae
Popular actor Kim Min Jae is making his long-awaited return! He enlisted on September 18, 2023, after wrapping up his role in the third season of “Dr. Romantic.” Serving as part of the Army band, Kim Min Jae is scheduled to be discharged on March 17, 2025. He is best known for his standout performances in “Do You Like Brahms?” and “Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency.”
Kim Min Gue
Rising star Kim Min Gue is another favorite making his comeback this year! He enlisted as an active-duty soldier on April 1, 2024, and will be discharged on September 30, 2025. Min Gue has captured fans’ hearts with his charm in dramas like “Perfume” and on the variety show “Love Me Actually!”
Woodz (Cho Seung Youn)
Singer-songwriter Cho Seung Youn, more popularly known as WOODZ, is returning soon! He began his mandatory military service as an active-duty soldier on January 22, 2024, and is set to be discharged on July 21, 2025. Known for his amazing vocals, WOODZ impressed fans during his appearance on “The King of Mask Singer.”
Who Are You Most Excited to See?
With so many favorite stars coming back this year, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for all of us! While we wait for their returns, you can catch up on their dramas, reality shows, and variety shows, all available on KOCOWA+ with multiple subtitles!
