As K-pop fans know all too well, military enlistment is a rite of passage for many Korean idols. This year, several beloved K-pop stars will be trading in their microphones for military uniforms.
2025 is set to be a challenging year for some fans as they say goodbye to their favorite artists. Conversely, it will be an exciting time for others as they welcome their favorites back into the spotlight.
Many globally renowned superstars temporarily leave the spotlight to fulfill their mandatory military service. As a result, full-group activities will be suspended, disappointing many fans.
Hoshi, Woozi, Wonwoo, Doyoung, Kang Daniel, Seoho, Sangyeon, and more K-pop idols will begin their military service in the coming months.
K-pop Stars Scheduled to Enlist in the Military This Year
K-pop idols born in 1996 will soon begin their mandatory military service. They will take a temporary hiatus from the entertainment scene. Fans are looking forward to their return, expecting the idols to come back with a fresh image after completing their service.
Here’s a rundown of the K-pop idols scheduled to enlist in 2025
SEVENTEEN’s ‘96 Liners
Three members of SEVENTEEN, Hoshi, Woozi, and Wonwoo, born in 1996, are set to begin their military service.
As SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi, Woozi, and Wonwoo prepare for their upcoming military enlistments, they are wrapping up their pre-service commitments with tours in Korea and abroad. Woozi and Hoshi will release a single “BEAM” this month before their enlistment.
They will also meet fans early through their fanmeeting “SEVENTEEN in Carat Land”, scheduled for March 29-30. Last year, SEVENTEEN leader and eldest member S.Coups received an exemption from military service due to a knee injury.
Given the group’s large 13-member lineup, fans can expect to see individual and unit activities continue even after the trio’s enlistment.
NCT’s Doyoung
NCT’s Doyoung, a 1996-born, is set to enlist in the military this year, becoming the group’s third member to do so. He will follow in the footsteps of Taeyong, who joined the Navy last year, and Jaehyun, who is currently serving in the army band.
The 29-year-old K-pop star made his solo debut with the full-length album “YOUTH” in April 2024. It is expected that he will release new music before bidding farewell to his fans.
Kang Daniel
Kang Daniel is also set to enlist in the military this year. During a radio appearance last year, the former Wanna One member shared that he had initially attempted to enlist early at 19, but was rejected due to an overwhelming number of applicants. He then revealed his plans to enlist “around the end of summer.”
Sangyeon of THE BOYZ
Sangyeon will be the first THE BOYZ member to begin mandatory military service. According to his new agency, ONE HUNDRED, the 28-year-old K-pop star has been accepted into the Army Military Band and will begin his service on March 17.
Before his enlistment, he will participate in THE BOYZ’s comeback album “Unexpected”. The album will be released on the same day he enlists in the military.
K-pop Idols Who Have Already Enlisted
Two K-pop stars Seoho from ONEUS and former Stray Kids member Kim Woojin have already begun military enlistment. Seoho officially started his mandatory military service. As the group’s main vocalist, he enlisted as an active-duty soldier on February 17, becoming the first member of ONEUS to do so. Seoho was born on June 7, 1996, which made him eligible for military service this year.
Kim Woojin quietly enlisted in the military on January 20. After completing basic training, he was assigned to his unit and will complete his military service the next year.
