8 Korean Idols and Actors Confirmed to Serve Mandatory Military Service in 2024, Including Taeyong NCT - Song Kang

Kapanlagi.com - Written by: Elmira Aubyn Azzahrina

It's time for South Korean stars born in 1994 and 1995 to temporarily leave the entertainment world to fulfill their military duties. Their respective agencies have also made official announcements regarding their idols who will be entering mandatory military service in 2024.

Mandatory military service, or commonly known as wamil, is indeed an obligation for all men aged 18-30 in South Korea to carry out as a form of dedication to the country. The military service regulation has been in effect since 1957 as a defense against attacks. The length of service will vary depending on the military branch and active or non-active duty.

There are eight Korean idols and actors who have been confirmed to serve wamil in 2024. Who are they? Let's find out the complete list below!

1. Taeyong NCT

© instagram.com/taeoxo_nct

SM Entertainment has announced to the public through its official statement that Taeyong NCT will undergo basic military training on April 10, 2024. Taeyong will serve in the Navy as an active soldier at the age of 28. Not only that, the leader of the boy group NCT also passed the military band thanks to his own song. So cool!

Before starting his military service, Taeyong released his second EP titled TAP as a solo artist. Of course, that became a form of farewell and his love for the fans. He also wrote a love message through Weverse stating that he will work hard and come back as a better version of himself.

2. Kim Min Kyu

© instagram.com/mingue.k

On March 20, Companion Company informed fans that Kim Min Kyu will enlist as an active soldier in the Army on April 1, 2024. This was proven by the official post of the star of the series Business Proposal who officially underwent mandatory military service on (01/04) yesterday.

According to the post on Instagram account, this actor born on December 25, 1994, shared a portrait of himself with a military-style crew cut. In the caption, he wrote, “I will be back.” This made some fans believe it and some didn't because that day coincided with April Fool's Day.

3. Taeil NCT

© instagram.com/mo.on_air

Until now, the oldest member of NCT, Moon Taeil, has been on hiatus for 8 months due to a broken right thigh bone caused by a motorcycle accident in August 2023.

However, SM Entertainment has released an official statement along with information about Taeyong's military duty that Taeil is also scheduled for military service this year. However, Taeil has not yet resumed any activities as a K-Pop idol due to still being in the recovery phase. Therefore, let's wait for further official statements, KLovers!

4. Hwang Minhyun

© Weverse

It's time for Hwang Minhyun to serve the country. He has been undergoing basic military training since March 21, 2024. However, PLEDIS Entertainment has not provided further explanation regarding Hwang Minhyun's duties and position during his military service.

The actor and soloist from Busan previously released a digital single titled LULLABY for his last comeback on March 13. Through his Weverse account, he also uploaded a picture of himself getting a haircut and a selfie with a buzz cut. The post was intended to bid farewell to his fans and assure them that he will return safely.

5. Hyuk VIXX

© instagram.com/hsh0705

Hyuk is the maknae (youngest member) of the boy group VIXX, born on July 5, 1995, in Daejeon, South Korea. He has been confirmed by his agency, Companion Company, that he will enlist in the military on April 18. Prior to his enlistment, Hyuk held a fancon called 'Home' on March 30 at Sungshin Women's University as a farewell to his fans.

Did you know, KLovers? In the event Dangdut K-Pop 29ther, Hyuk VIXX collaborated with Lady Rara to perform the song 'JANGAN BUANG WAKTUKU'. Truly a local definition!

6. Bobby iKON

© instagram.com/bobbyindaeyo

Kim Ji-won, or Bobby iKON, was formerly a prominent rapper of YG Entertainment and is now the main artist of 143 Entertainment. After parting ways with YG Entertainment, iKON continued their activities as a group with all six members under their new agency. Bobby is still active in the music industry as a soloist and has held a solo concert titled '2024 BOBBY ZERO GRAVITY TOUR in ASIA' in several countries.

On Sunday (04/07), 143 Entertainment released an official statement that Bobby will enlist in the military on May 21, 2024. The agency also urged fans not to come to the military enlistment location.

7. Chanwoo iKON

© instagram.com/chan_w000

News about Chanwoo from iKON will be enlisting in the military was released simultaneously with Bobby from iKON's military enlistment announcement. This maknae will follow suit by registering for military service on May 27, 2024, six days after Bobby's departure. Despite being born in 1998, Chanwoo has been scheduled to complete his military service earlier than others to follow in the footsteps of his hyungs.

Before his military departure, Chanwoo will hold a fan meeting in Japan on April 19, 2024. He is also rumored to be releasing his solo music soon.

8. Song Kang

© instagram.com/songkang_b

The last Korean artist confirmed to serve in the military in 2024 is Song Kang. The news was announced by Namoo Actors, the agency that represents Song Kang, stating that he will enlist as an active soldier in the Republic of Korea Army on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.

Yesterday, the actor from the series MY DEMON uploaded a photo of himself preparing to enlist in the military. He wrote, “Work hard! I will come back!!!!”. The comment section was filled with support and farewell messages.

So, those are the eight Korean stars who have been confirmed to serve in the military in 2024. Let's pray for the best so that they can return in good health and safety, KLovers!

(kpl/elm)