2024 is about to be a thrilling time for all K-pop fans, as several male idols will complete their mandatory military service. Everyone must serve in the military. This period of enlistment is seen as a rite of passage that temporarily halts the careers of all these beloved stars. This leaves all the fans patiently and eagerly anticipating their return.
1. BTS’s Jin
Kim Seok-Jin, also called Jin, is a South Korean songwriter and singer. He is a member of the famous band BTS. At first, he wanted to be a journalist. He was scouted off the street in junior high but rejected the offer. In 2019, he released Tonight, his first independent song. In 2022, he made his official debut as a solo artist with The Astronaut. Jin took a hiatus from his career to serve in the military and enlisted on 13th December 2022. Jin is expected to be discharged on 12th June 2024, which marks a significant moment for all BTS fans.
2. GOT7’s Jay B
Lim Jae-beom, as Jay B, is a South Korean songwriter, singer, and actor. He is the leader of the boy band Got7. At just the age of seven, he dreamt of becoming a singer. At a b-boy competition, he was scouted by JYP Entertainment in 2009. He was also diagnosed with depression as well as panic disorder and then takes medication for it. In 2012, he made a small debut in Dream High 2. Jay B started his military service on 2nd February 2023. He is set to complete his service by 1st November 2024, making fans very eager to see him.
3. Wonho
Lee Ho-Seok, known as Wonho, is a South Korean singer and dancer. He was a member of the group Monsta X. In 2020, he made his solo debut. Before his debut, he was part of Nu Boyz, a project group that was formed in 2014. He has been part of many collaborations with Tom Ford, Elle, and Dazed. He is recognized for his focus on his physique and fitness. In 2018, as a part of a collaboration with Dazed, partnered with Under Armour, to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. He started his military service on 5th December 2022. His discharge is due on 4th September, 2024.
4. Seungyoon
Kang Seung-yoon, known as Seungyoon, is a South Korean actor, singer, and songwriter. He is the leader of the boy band Winner. In 2011, he signed with YG Entertainment, debuting as a solo artist in 2013. He rose to fame after competing in Superstar K2 at the age of 16. He is identified for his baritone voice, and is called a rocker kid. He ventured into acting with High Kick: Revenge of The Short Legged in 2011. His first lead role was in We Broke Up and he also got the award for Best Male Actor. He started his military service on 20th June 2023. Fans are eagerly anticipating his return on 20th December 2024.
5. Jae Yoon
Lee Jae-Yoon, known as Jae Yoon, is a South Korean actor, model, singer, and dancer. He is the lead vocalist and dancer of the group SF9. He trained to be a K-pop performer and idol. He started his acting career in Click Your Heart as a supporting role in 2016. In 2021, he played the lead in Love in Black Hole. He is well known for his acting in Another Miss Oh, Founded, and Seopyeonje. His commitment to fitness and health was featured in an interview in Men’s Health Magazine and also has been featured on the cover of the magazine. He embarked on his military journey on 21st March 2023. His discharge is set to be on 19th September 2024.
6. J-Hope
Jung Ho-Seok, known as J-Hope, is a South Korean singer, record producer, songwriter, rapper, and dancer. He made his debut as a member of BTS, in 2013. In 2018, he released Hope World, his first solo mixtape. In 2019, he was the first BTS member to enter the Billboard Hot 100 when his song Chicken Noodle Soup was released. He was announced as Louis Vuitton’s brand ambassador. He released On The Street, his single in 2023. He followed suit, enlisting on 17th April, 2023. His discharge is secluded for 17th October 2024.
7. Jinyoung
Park Jin-Young, known as Jinyoung, or Junior, is a South Korean, actor, songwriter, and singer. He is a member of the group Got7 and JJ Project. In 2012, he made his acting debut in Dream High 2. He was the main lead in the 2019 drama He Is Psychometric. In 2016, he made his film debut in A Stray Goat. In 2014, he made his musical debut with Girls Girls Girls. In 2021, he made his solo debut with Dive. He joined the military on 8th May 2023. All his fans are counting down until his discharge on 4 November 2024.
8. Mino
Song Min-Ho, known as Mino, is a South Korean singer, artist, rapper, songwriter, actor, and music producer. In 2014, he joined the group Winner of YG Entertainment. He made his solo debut in 2018 with Fiance. In 2022, he made his debut in Seoul Vibe. In 2020, he opened Osechill, a cafe in Seongdong-gu. On 24th March 2023, he enlisted in the military as a social worker, due to having poor health. His discharge is set to be in September 2024.
9. Minhyuk
Lee Min-hyuk, known as Minhyuk, is a South Korean MC and singer. In 2015, he debuted in the boy group Monsta X, which was formed through the show No Mercy. In July 2021, he appeared in the fashion magazine W Korea, promoting Rimowa, a German premium luggage brand. In August, he was the model of Champion, an American clothing brand. He took a break from his career for his military duty, being in the military band that started on 4th April 2023. He is scheduled to be discharged on 30th September, 2024.
10. Sejun
Lim Se Jun, known as Se Jun, is a South Korean dancer and singer. He is the main vocalist of the group VICTON, formed by IST Entertainment. In 2019, he made his acting debut as the male lead in In-Out Sider. In 2022, he made his musical theatre in Equal. He started his service on 13th June, 2023. His expected discharge date is 12th December, 2024.
