South Korea is technically at war with North Korea, since the Korean War ended in a truce,
not a peace treaty. All able-bodied men with South Korean citizenship are obliged to serve
in the Army or other services. The service lasts 18-21 months, depending on the enlistment
date. K-pop idols are never exempt from this duty.
So, how are the enlisted K-pop stars doing during their military hiatus? On Sept. 24,
a bunch idols from different K-pop boy groups met on the press showcase of the new military-organized
musical, “The Promise of the Day.” The musical runs Oct. 22 to Dec. 1.
INFINITE leader Sungkyu enlisted in the military in May 14, 2018. Of the six INFINITE members,
he was the first member to begin his mandatory military service.
The 30-year-old singer released a live album, capturing his May 7 solo concert titled "Shine.”
During the concert, Sungkyu said, "I'm sorry to have to be away from you for a while, but
everyone should go to the military and it's natural. Stay healthy and cheer for the rest
of the members.”
Since his debut in 2010 as a member of INFINITE, Sungkyu has put out two solo EPs -- "Another
Me" in 2012 and "27" in 2015. Sungkyu engaged himself in his full-length album "10 Stories”
and promotional activities until his enlistment.
Now here’s Sungkyu, shining with charms and witty jokes, as usual.
Seongkyu’s bandmate, Sungyeol, also plays an important character in “The Promise of the Day."
INFINITE Sungyeol joined the mandatory military service on March 26, 2019, about 10 month
after Sungkyu’s enlistment.
Before joining the army, Sungyeol posted a hand-written letter on his social media account.
"Nine years have passed since I debuted as a member of Infinite, and met you (fans) in
2010.”
"I'll come back after faithfully completing my service while cherishing the happy memories
that I've made with you.”
SHINee’s Onew joined the armed forces on December 10, 2018. SHINee’s 29-year-old
lead vocalist and eldest was the group’s first member to take up the mandatory military
service.
Before leaving for his 2-year hiatus, Onew wrote a heart-felt letter to the fans.
"It has always been not enough and will continue to be so, but please consider this short while
of break as time to prepare to become a better (artist).”
"I hope all of you stay healthy and happy. I will continue seeing, so listen to my voice
if you think of me.”
Only 5 days before his enlistment, Onew released his first solo album "Voice," which he described
as a gift to his fans.
These days, Onew can’t be more cheerful, an energy booster to his fellow men.
In addition to SHINee’s Onew, another SM Entertainment’s darling idol showed his
energetic vibe, alive and well. EXO’s Xiumin began his military duty on May 7, 2019.
The 29-year-old singer missed the stage so badly. Let’s hear it directly from his mouth.
Until only a week before enlistment, Xiumin met his Japanese fans in Magical Circus 2019
Special Edition concerts, in Saitama and Kobe, Japan.
Two days after his enlistment, his EP “You” was released. The singer called the song a
thank you letter for his fans: “You make all the reason that keeps me going.”
When it comes to doubling in K-pop and musical, Jo Kwon is among the very top notch.
This 30-year-old daring of JYP’s boy group 2AM, started his mandatory military service
on August 6, 2018.
Earlier on his enlistment day, Jo posted a group of photos and a video clip on his Instagram
account, showing him getting a military haircut and his hand-written letter addressing his
fans.
On the K-pop stage, he was known for cute smile and boyish physique. After the enlistment,
however, fans were pleasantly surprised to see his sporty, masculine side – proven
in his Instagram photos at the gym.
And in real life, he looks ever so healthy, with his trademark sunny smile!
Yoon Ji-sung of now-disbanded popular group Wanna One joined the army on May 14, 2019.
He seemed very calm and modest: He didn’t change a bit since showcasing his first solo
album, “Aside.” He released a special EP “Dear Diary” a month later.
His final stage was a musical, “The Days.” Let’s hope he throws another great performance
for his new musical “The Promise of the Day” too!
Last but not least! N of boy group VIXX, the cher group of Jellyfish Entertainment, took
his military hiatus on March 4, 2019. The 29-year-old is VIXX’s first member to take
up the mandatory military duty.
Now he is with his fellow soldiers, under his real name Cha Hak-yeon.
His fairwell Instagram message to his fans were quite short but straight to the point.
“Today’s record: 20190304. See you.
Here’s N, in his military uniform.