According to South Korean law, every Korean male citizen under the age of 30 has the responsibility to serve a mandatory military service for approximately two years. Fortunately, some male personalities who have brought honor to the country can be exempted, such as professional athletes and national artists. However, K-pop idols are excluded from this exemption.
Nevertheless, while fans won't be able to see their idols perform on stage for a long time, two years can pass by quickly. And indeed, it's time to rejoice for those who have faves that enlisted in 2018 and early 2019 as they are coming back this 2020.
Without further ado, here are the K-pop idols who will finally be discharged from the military this year.
SHINee's Onew (July 20)
SHINee's dubu leader Onew will finally be released in two months! As Shawols wait for his return, the fandom has started a countdown challenge for 50 days, making the waiting more fun and exciting!
BTOB's Changsub (August 21)
Recently, BTOB's leader was already discharged, making Changsub the second member to complete his military service. The male idol entered the military as an active-duty soldier in January 2019.
HIGHLIGHT's Yoseob (August 30)
The HIGHLIGHT member entered the military as a conscripted police in January 2019 and is currently serving as a corporal constable. Fans are indeed excited to see Yoseob again, especially to hear his majestic voice with a possible album upon discharge.
BTOB's Minhyuk (September 12)
The third member to discharge in the military, following Eunkwang and Changsub, is Minhyuk. It's expected that when he gets back from the military, he will join the two members to promote in BTOB, along Peniel, who was exempted in the military service as his citizenship is American.
Meanwhile, Ilhoon recently announced his military enlistment as well and will be discharged in 2023, along with Sungjae and Hyunsik.
SHINee's Key (October 7)
Kibum, or also known as Key, will be discharged as well, enlisted in the military last March 2019. His co-members Taemin and Minho accompanied him, and bid his goodbye to fans through his Instagram account.
VIXX N (October 7)
N entered the military on March 4, on the same day with SHINee's Key, after receiving a notice to serve as an active-duty soldier. He announced his enlistment two months before the said date on his fan cafe to inform his fans.
INFINITE's Sungyeol (October 27)
The male idol will be finally discharged on October 27! Despite being in the military, he was still communicating with fans, and even dubbed as the "King of Fanservice."
SHINee's Minho (November 15)
Minho will be the third member to be discharged. The group will finally be complete in November. It is rumored that they will have a major comeback in December or early 2021 before Taemin's enlistment. Meanwhile, the actor-singer enlisted as a Marine corps in April 2019.
INFINITE's Dongwoo (November 15)
On the same day of Minho's enlistment, the idol also quietly enlisted as an active-duty soldier.
HIGHLIGHT's Gikwang (November 18)
Gikwang enlisted on April 18, 2019, after the announcement done by Gyeonggi Southern District agency that he is one of the successful candidates to enlist as a policeman. The idol will be back by November 18.
EXO's Xiumin (December 6)
The eldest member of EXO will be discharged this year as well! Though it is unfortunate that Suho already enlisted before seeing a group's comeback with Xiumin, EXO-Ls are anticipating his future activity with EXO, as a solo artist, or with his sub-unit EXO-CBX.
HIGHLIGHT's Dongwoon (December 8)
Son Dongwoon, who is a member of HIGHLIGHT, enlisted in May 2019 quietly and privately with close friends and family only.
Yoon Jisung (December 13)
The solo artist will also be back! In May 2019, Jisung released two albums before his enlistment to serve as a parting gift to fans and as a sign that they have to hold back to his music while they wait for his return.
Here is the list of K-idols who will be discharged this 2020, and we hope for their safe and sound return! Salute!
