Three K-pop idols, Rowoon, Cha Eunwoo, and Kim Donghyuk, are set to enlist later this month. While Cha Eunwoo and Donghyuk will proceed as planned, Rowoon military enlistment has been unexpectedly postponed.
The former SF9 member has postponed his military enlistment following the results of a recent re-examination. He was originally scheduled to enlist as an active-duty soldier on July 21, 2025, but plans have now changed due to medical classification updates.
Why Rowoon’s Enlistment Was Delayed
On July 17, FNC Entertainment released an official statement confirming that Rowoon received a Grade 7 rating during his enlistment physical examination. The Grade 7 status indicates that the individual is temporarily unfit for service and must undergo a second physical evaluation.
Rowoon, who was about to enlist as an active-duty solider, received a re-examination (Grade 7) rating in the enlistment physical examination conducted by the Military Manpower Administration two weeks prior to enlistment, which is mandatory for all conscripts with military service obligations starting July this year.
Still Intending to Enlist as an Active-Duty Soldier
The agency emphasized that Rowoon still intends to fulfill his military duty and hopes to do so as an active-duty soldier, stating:
Rowoon immediately submitted an objection for the physical examination results and is scheduled to undergo a re-examination in early August. Through this, he hopes to confirm that there are no issues with fulfilling his military duty and to enlist as an active-duty soldier as soon as possible.
What’s Next For Rowoon
Rowoon began his journey in the spotlight as a member of SF9 in 2016 under FNC Entertainment. In 2023, he officially parted ways with the group to focus fully on his acting career. Since then, he has starred in several high-profile dramas, Destined With You, The Matchmakers, and A Time Called You (cameo).
While he will be away on national defense duties, fans will see him in the Disney+ historical thriller, The Murky Stream. Set in the lawless Joseon era, where once-pure Gyeonggang River has turned dark, Rowoon plays Jang Si Yul, who hides his past to survive in the criminal underworld.
During the BEFORE BLOOMING fan meeting in May, he shared his thoughts, saying
There are works I have already filmed, and I will meet you all while I’m away. I’m really looking forward to ‘The Murky Stream’. I acted with all my might. I’ll return healthy without getting hurt. I think it’ll be a time to recharge in many ways. Once I’m back, I don’t plan on taking a break at all.
Meanwhile, Rowoon’s re-examination is scheduled for early August 2025, after which a new enlistment date will be determined based on the outcome. If cleared, he is expected to join the military soon after.
