Korean Stars Who Will Be Discharged From the Military in 2022!

If you’ve been a K-Drama or K-Pop fan for years now, you’ll know that South Korea has a mandatory military enlistment. All Korean able-bodied men between the age of 18 and 29 are required to serve in the country’s military for about 20 months.

That’s why it’s super sad to see our favorite K-Pop idols and K-Drama actors go when they enlist in the military, BUT it’s a different kind of happiness when we welcome them back after their service! Now let’s meet these Korean stars who are expected to come back this year!

Woo Do Hwan

The first one to come back this year is our handsome Woo Do Hwan! He enlisted last July 2020 and was on vacation from October 31 last year in accordance with the rules of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Korea. He is now officially discharged from the military on January 5, 2022!

Woo Do Hwan earned recognition for starring in a number of K-Dramas such as the mystery thriller drama “Save Me,” action thriller drama “MAD DOG,” and romance drama “Tempted” alongside Red Velvet’s Joy.

He is best known for his dual role in the fantasy romance drama “The King: Eternal Monarch.” Do Hwan doesn’t want us to miss him since he is now preparing to film his next drama, “Hounding Dogs.”

EXO Suho, Chen, Chanyeol

Four of the members of the boy group EXO are currently enlisted in the military, and the good news is three of them are expected to come back this year! Suho enlisted as a public service officer on May 14, 2020, and is set to discharge on February 13. Just a few days from now!

Chen enlisted as an active-duty soldier on October 26, 2020, and is expected to be discharged on April 26, and Chanyeol enlisted into the military as an active-duty soldier on March 29, 2021. He is expected to come back on September 28!

EXO is one of the most popular and well-loved boy groups today. In the reality-variety shows “EXO’s Travel the World On a Ladder – Kaohsiung ＆ Kenting” and “EXO’s Travel the World On a Ladder – CBX in Japan,” we got to see how EXO is not just a talented visual group, they are also fun to be with because of their playful personality and amazing chemistry with one another.

In episode 646 of the MBC variety show “Radio Star,” EXO Chen shared a funny story about how he gets goosebumps every time EXO Suho shows him his amazing photos. The host couldn’t help but tease Suho, which made everyone burst into laughter.

In episode 432 of “Law of the Jungle,” EXO Chanyeol exclaimed how happy he was that he went to experience this hybrid reality show combining elements of drama and documentary. He proved that he is not just handsome and talented but also skilled in finding food and surviving in the jungle!

Park Bo Gum

Finally! The long wait is over for our Park Bo Gum. He enlisted in the navy military band as a cultural promotion soldier on August 31, 2020. He is scheduled to be discharged on April 30, 2022, without returning to the unit after his last vacation in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Defense.

Park Bo Gum gained a lot of recognition when he starred in the thriller drama “Hello Monster” and became a Hallyu star after starring in the slice of life drama “Reply 1988” and historical romance drama “Love in the Moonlight.”

Bo Gum is also known as a great host since he hosted the K-Pop music show KBS “Music Bank.” Together with Red Velvet’s Irene, they hosted “Music Bank K-Chart in Singapore” and “Music Bank K-Chart in Jakarta.” Bogum hosted “Music Bank K-Chart in Berlin” and “Music Bank K-Chart in Hong Kong” with other K-Pop stars!

In episode 483 of the variety music show “Yu Huiyeol’s Sketchbook,” Park Bo Gum, together with Lee Seung Chul, performed “I Will Give You All,” where he showed his amazing piano skills.

Infinite L (Kim Myung Soo)

Idol turned actor, Kim Myung Soo, enlisted for his mandatory military service as a member of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps on February 22, 2021, and his expected discharge date is August 21, 2022. I am so excited for him to come back!

Myung Soo started gaining recognition when he played supporting roles in the romance comedy drama “Cunning Single Lady” and fantasy music drama “My Lovely Girl.” He is best known for his roles in the historical drama “The Emperor: Owner of the Mask,” an angel in the fantasy romance comedy drama “Angel’s Last Mission: Love,” and a cat-turned-human in the fantasy romance drama “Welcome.”

While in the military, Kim Myung Soo made his musical theatre debut in the military musical “Meisa’s Song” alongside EXO Chanyeol, B.A.P Daehyun, and actor Moon Yong Suk.

Block B Zico

Hip hop rapper, Zico, enlisted in the military last July 30, 2020, as a public service worker and is expected to be discharged in April 2022!

Zico started as a member of the boy group Block B and became a solo artist. He is known for his hit songs such as “Any Song,” “SoulMate,” and “Summer Hate.” Zico is also known for his fun personality since he guest starred on different variety shows such as “How Do You Play?,” “Yu Huiyeol’s Sketchbook,” “Running Man,” and a lot more!

In episode 404 of “Yu Huiyeol’s Sketchbook,” Zico explained that he worked with former Wanna One member Kim Jae Hwan, Park Woo Jin, and Kang Daniel with the song “Kangaroo.” Yu Huiyeol asked Zico to sing in the show, and as expected from Zico, his voice and stage presence were the best!

Twenty months is such a long time, so I am so so excited to meet all of these stars again in the K-Pop and K-Drama world! While waiting for them to come back, let’s all binge-watch their K-Dramas, reality shows, and variety shows on KOCOWA!