10 K-Pop Idols Returning from the Military this Year
Since military service is mandatory in Korea for all male citizens before their 30s, idols are no exception unless they have a valid reason to exempt them. Every year, some go into the military while others are being discharged. This year is no different as many idols are expected to return in the second half of 2022 after completing their service, which usually lasts at least 18 months, give or take.
If you are not up to date, here are 10 K-pop idols returning from the military this year.
1. Teen Tops Ricky
The group’s principal dancer joined the military on January 18, 2021. After completing his basic military education, he served in the military band. He is expected to be discharged sometime in July 2022.
2. Rosens Hajoon
The band’s drummer and rapper has served in the military since October 12, 2020. He joined the Air Force military band and is due to end his service in July 2022.
Block B’s Kyung Park
Originally, its military service began on October 19, 2022, and Park Kyung’s release date was postponed. This sudden change is due to his health, which led him to change his role from an active service soldier to a public servant.
4. Rosens Jaehyung
Jaehyung, who serves as The Roses bassist, visual and maknae, is the band’s last member to begin his military service on November 9, 2020. He is set to be discharged in August 2022.
[201209] Jaehyeong Military Update �df39#jaehyung #Lee Jaehyung #Roses #RosenPH #Jaehyeong #Roses pic.twitter.com/SEylEIwjtn
– The Rose Philippines �ddf5�dded (@ PHTheRose_0803) December 9, 2020
INFINITE’S L (Kim Myung Soo)
On February 22, 2021, Kim Myung Soo confirmed through his agency that he began his military service the same day. After completing his five-week basic training, he performed his service as an active soldier in the Marine Corps. He was part of the cast for “Meissa’s Song”, a military musical. He will be released in August 2022.
6. PENTAGON’S Hui
The leader of the group started his compulsory military journey on February 18, 2021. To receive his basic military training, he joined the Nonsan Army Recruit Training Center in South Chungcheong Province. He was to end his service in November 2022.
7. EXO’s Chanyeol
Chanyeol began his four-week military training on March 29, 2021. He was assigned to a unit to serve as an active soldier. He joined the cast of the military musical “Meissa’s Song”, in which he played the lead role. He will be discharged in late September 2022.
8. DAG6’s Sungjin
Sungjin’s news of military deployment was dropped unexpectedly. On March 8, 2021, he held a V LIVE broadcast to share the news with his fans and show his buzz cut. He is due to return in early September 2022.
9. Teen Tops CAP
On May 10, the CAP enlisted in the military while keeping the place and time private. He is the third Teen Top member to sign up with his release date in early November 2022.
10. SHINee’s Taemin
SHINee’s youngest member joined the military last year on May 31 and officially served in the military corps after his undergraduate education. But Taemin experienced severe symptoms of anxiety and depression that forced his transfer on 14 January 2022 to public service to continue his military duties. His release is expected in November 2022.
Which K-pop idols return are you most excited about? Tell us in the comments below!
esmee l. is a Moroccan lively dreamer, author and Hallyu enthusiast.