As 2024 Comes to a Close, K-pop and K-drama Stars Prepare for Military Enlistment
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| As 2024 Comes to a Close, K-pop and K-drama Stars Prepare for Military Enlistment |
As 2024 draws to an end, the time has come for many beloved K-pop idols and actors to fulfill their mandatory military enlistment in South Korea. Military service is an important duty in the country, and all able-bodied men are required to serve by the age of 28.
For several stars born in 1996 and 1997, their time has come to serve their country, much to the dismay of their fans who will miss them dearly during their absence.
However, the enlistment is inevitable, and both fans and idols are preparing for the temporary goodbyes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most anticipated enlistments this year and what this means for both the celebrities and their devoted followers.
The news of NCT’s Jaehyun and soloist Kim Woo Seok’s enlistment shook their respective fandoms. Both artists have confirmed that they will enlist on November 4, 2024.
NCT’s Jaehyun and Kim Woo Seok
The news of NCT’s Jaehyun and soloist Kim Woo Seok’s enlistment shook their respective fandoms. Both artists have confirmed that they will enlist on November 4, 2024.
What sets them apart from many others is that they applied to join the Army Band, which has always been a highly sought-after position for artists who are enlisting. This was confirmed by their agencies and the Military Manpower Administration. With their acceptance into the Army Band, fans can take comfort in knowing that they’ll continue to showcase their talents during their service, even though their public appearances will be limited.
Jaehyun, a member of NCT 127, is renowned for his striking visuals and vocal ability. This year, he made waves with his highly anticipated solo debut with the album J, giving fans even more to admire about his versatility as an artist.
Jaehyun, a member of NCT 127, is renowned for his striking visuals and vocal ability. This year, he made waves with his highly anticipated solo debut with the album J, giving fans even more to admire about his versatility as an artist.
For NCTzens (NCT’s fandom), Jaehyun’s enlistment is a bittersweet moment, as they know he must fulfill his duty, but it comes at a time when he is soaring high in his career.
On the other hand, Kim Woo Seok, who initially gained fame as a member of UP10TION and later embarked on a successful solo career, has also garnered attention for his acting abilities. He recently starred in Boys Mental Training Camp, where he showcased a different side of himself, proving his flexibility as both a musician and an actor.
While their fans are supportive, the emotional toll is clear in the comments that flood social media.
On the other hand, Kim Woo Seok, who initially gained fame as a member of UP10TION and later embarked on a successful solo career, has also garnered attention for his acting abilities. He recently starred in Boys Mental Training Camp, where he showcased a different side of himself, proving his flexibility as both a musician and an actor.
While their fans are supportive, the emotional toll is clear in the comments that flood social media.
Netizens’ Comments:
“I can’t believe Jaehyun is enlisting so soon! His solo debut was everything we hoped for. We’ll be waiting for you, Jaehyun!”
“Kim Woo Seok in the Army Band? He’s going to impress everyone with his talents, even during his service. Wishing him a safe and healthy service!”
Both Jaehyun and Kim Woo Seok have left an indelible mark on their fans, and their enlistment is sure to leave a noticeable gap in their absence. Fans are already preparing to support them throughout their military journey, counting down the days until their return.
SEVENTEEN Members: Hoshi, Wonwoo, and Woozi
SEVENTEEN, one of the biggest K-pop groups in the world, has also reached a crucial point where several members must enlist. Following Jeonghan’s recent enlistment, Hoshi, Wonwoo, and Woozi, all born in 1996, are next in line.
This leaves Carats (SEVENTEEN’s fandom) in a wave of emotions, as the group is known for its powerful performances, strong choreography, and their close bond as a group of 13 members. Losing multiple members to enlistment will undoubtedly impact the group’s dynamic, but the remaining members have already expressed their determination to keep SEVENTEEN’s momentum going.
Hoshi, one of SEVENTEEN’s main dancers and stage leaders, is admired not only for his energy but also for his leadership skills. His enlistment is sure to leave fans yearning for his return, as his absence will be felt both on stage and in the group’s creative process.
Wonwoo, known for his deep voice and thoughtful personality, brings a different charm to SEVENTEEN’s rap line. His enlistment, too, will leave a gap, as his presence has always provided a calm and grounded energy within the group.
Lastly, Woozi, the group’s main producer and songwriter, is arguably the backbone of SEVENTEEN’s music. His ability to craft the group’s unique sound has made SEVENTEEN stand out in the crowded K-pop industry.
Hoshi, one of SEVENTEEN’s main dancers and stage leaders, is admired not only for his energy but also for his leadership skills. His enlistment is sure to leave fans yearning for his return, as his absence will be felt both on stage and in the group’s creative process.
Wonwoo, known for his deep voice and thoughtful personality, brings a different charm to SEVENTEEN’s rap line. His enlistment, too, will leave a gap, as his presence has always provided a calm and grounded energy within the group.
Lastly, Woozi, the group’s main producer and songwriter, is arguably the backbone of SEVENTEEN’s music. His ability to craft the group’s unique sound has made SEVENTEEN stand out in the crowded K-pop industry.
As Woozi prepares for his enlistment, many fans worry about how the group will maintain its distinct musical identity in his absence, although they trust that Woozi has prepared the group for this inevitable moment.
Netizens’ Comments:
“SEVENTEEN won’t be the same without them, but we’ll be waiting patiently. Stay healthy, Hoshi, Wonwoo, and Woozi!”
“It’s going to be so hard watching them go, but Carats will support SEVENTEEN no matter what. We’ll wait for you!”
SEVENTEEN is known for their resilience, and even though fans are sad to see these members go, they are confident that the remaining members will continue to hold the group together during this period of transition.
Rowoon of SF9
Rowoon, another popular 1996-liner, has also confirmed that he will enlist by next year. Originally a member of the boy group SF9, Rowoon has seen a steady rise in popularity due to his acting career.
His breakthrough role in the drama Extraordinary You put him on the map as a serious actor, and since then, he’s only grown in popularity. Most recently, Rowoon starred in several well-received dramas, further solidifying his place as a rising star in the Korean entertainment industry.
However, his enlistment will mark a temporary pause in his career, a reality that both fans and Rowoon himself are preparing for. As someone who is quickly becoming a household name in K-drama circles, his enlistment is seen as an inevitable yet unfortunate interruption in what was shaping up to be an even more prominent acting career.
However, his enlistment will mark a temporary pause in his career, a reality that both fans and Rowoon himself are preparing for. As someone who is quickly becoming a household name in K-drama circles, his enlistment is seen as an inevitable yet unfortunate interruption in what was shaping up to be an even more prominent acting career.
Netizens’ Comments:
“I’ll miss Rowoon’s acting, but he’ll come back even stronger after his service. Fighting!”
“We’ll wait for you, Rowoon! I hope you have a safe and smooth service. Maybe there’ll be a new drama waiting for you when you return.”
As Rowoon gears up for his enlistment, fans are already looking forward to the day when he will return to both his music and acting careers.
Lee Jae Wook
While Lee Jae Wook was born in 1998, he has already mentioned his plans to enlist early, possibly in 2025. Lee Jae Wook gained widespread recognition for his leading role in the hit drama Alchemy of Souls, which showcased his impressive acting range and charisma. He also made waves with his role in the historical action film The Battle of Jangsari, which added another layer to his growing portfolio.
Lee Jae Wook’s rising star status has left many fans excited about his future projects, but his mention of enlisting soon has sparked a mixture of anticipation and sadness. His fans understand that military service is a duty that all must fulfill, but they will surely miss his presence in both the drama and film industries.
Netizens’ Comments:
“Lee Jae Wook has accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. I’m sad that he’s leaving, but I’m sure he’ll come back even stronger!”
“Take care, Lee Jae Wook! We’ll be waiting for your next drama. You’ve done so much already, and we can’t wait for what’s next.”
Lee Jae Wook is undoubtedly one of the most exciting young actors in the industry right now, and while his enlistment is on the horizon, fans are already counting the days until his triumphant return.
Kim Young Dae and Kang Daniel
Kim Young Dae and Kang Daniel are also gearing up for their military enlistments. Kim Young Dae, who rose to prominence through his roles in dramas like The Penthouse and The Forbidden Marriage, has quickly become a rising star in the industry. His enlistment may feel sudden to some, but his fans are supportive and understand that it’s a part of his journey.
Similarly, Kang Daniel, a former member of Wanna One and now a successful soloist, is also preparing to enlist. His laid-back personality and charm on variety shows like It’s Dangerous Beyond The Blankets have made him even more beloved by fans. Kang Daniel has established himself as a versatile artist, and his enlistment marks a significant moment in his career as he pauses his solo activities to serve his country.
Netizens’ Comments:
“Kim Young Dae’s enlistment feels so sudden, but we’ll be here when he returns. I hope he has a smooth and healthy service!”
“Kang Daniel enlisting? It really feels like the end of an era. We’ll miss him, but we know he’ll come back even stronger!”
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