Serving in the military is mandatory for all able-bodied South Korean men, same goes for K-pop idols. Idols are enlisting in the military left and right. If you don’t have any idea about your favorite idol’s enlistment timeline, we are here to guide you.
Kim Woojin: Former Stray Kids member, Kim Woojin started his military service on January 20th. He is serving in the army band just like BTS leader RM. He is set to return from his mandatory service on July 19, 2026.
Wonwoo (SEVENTEEN): Wonwoo enlisted on April 3rd, 2025. He enlisted as a public servant. He’ll be coming back in January 2027. Typically, military enlistment lasts 16 months, but people who enlist in public service have to serve 21 months.
Seoho (ONEUS): Seoho started his mandatory military service on February 27.
Sunghyuk (TAN), Rie (OnlyOneOf): Both enlisted on January 20, 2025.
NEXT TO ENLIST,
Hoshi, Woozi are set to enlist in the second half of 2025. Hoshi ensured fans that he and Woozi would be able to celebrate SEVENTEEN’s 10th anniversary together with fans and members.
DK, Mingyu (SEVENTEEN): DK and Mingyu will be enlisting earlier than expected. Like their groupmates Hoshi and Woozi, DK & Mingyu will enlist in the second half of 2025. They didn’t confirm any date though.
NCT’s Doyoung, Soloist Kang Daniel, ASTRO’s Cha Eunwoo, iKON’s DK & June, The Boyz’s Younghoon & Hyunjae, Taeyang from SF9, Woong from AB6IX, Chan (A.C.E): These K-pop idols are expected to enlist in the military this year, though they haven’t confirmed any dates yet.
WHO IS COMING BACK?
All the remaining BTS members—RM, Suga, V, Jungkook, Jimin—are set to come back in June. EXO’s maknae Sehun is coming back from military service in September.
Hyungwon of MONSTA X, TEEN TOP’s Changjo, and many more are returning from mandatory service this May. Former PENTAGON member DAWN, along with WOODZ (UNIQ), is returning in July. Shinwon (PENTAGON) and Jinyoung (former D1CE) are returning in September with EXO’s Sehun. NCT’s Taeyong, SF9’s Dawon, and many more are returning from their mandatory service at the end of the year.
Is your idol in the list?
