K-pop idols Kim Jae Hwan and SF9’s Dawon enlist in the military today, putting their music careers on hold to complete their mandatory military service.
Kim Jae Hwan and Dawon will report to the Army Training Center today (July 1) to begin their basic military training. After completing their training, they will be assigned to their respective units.
To avoid crowds and minimize disruption, no special events or ceremonies will be held on their enlistment day.
Kim Jae Hwan, who successfully passed the Army Military Band test, will join the military band after completing basic training. Meanwhile, Dawon is the fourth member of SF9 to enlist for mandatory military service, following Inseong, Youngbin, and Jaeyoon, who have already begun their national defense duties.
In South Korea, mandatory military service applies to most able-bodied men, with exceptions for physical or mental health issues, religious or moral objections, family circumstances, education, and research. Those eligible typically serve 18 to 21 months in the army, navy, air force, or alternative service.
Men who are deemed unfit for service due to physical or mental health reasons may be exempt or classified as “level 4” or “level 5” and redirected to alternative roles.
Kim Jae Hwan rose to fame in 2017 as the 4th place finalist on Mnet’s Produce 101 Season 2, subsequently debuting as a member of Wanna One and actively promoting with the group for 1 year and 6 months.
After Wanna One’s disbandment, he debuted as a soloist in May 2019. On May 8, he released his 7th mini album, I ADORE, which marked his final music release before his military enlistment.
Dawon, who debuted as an SF9 member in 2016, has not only established himself as a K-pop idol but also as an actor. He appeared in multiple dramas including My 20th Twenty (2023), Curtain Call (2023), and Unforgivable (2023).