Korean mandatory military service for men aged between 18 and 28 has existed ever since 1957. Exceptions are made for no one, not even our favorite idols! Most Korean men complete their military service in the early 20s. Typically, they will first graduate high school and complete one or two years of university and then start their military service.
On the other hand, famous idols and actors usually wait a little longer before enlisting to the military because it may affect their career. The length of military service in South Korea varies based on the military branch. Active-duty soldiers serve one year six months in the Army or Marine Corps, one year eight months in the Navy, and one year nine months in the Air Force. After conscripts finish their military service, they are automatically placed on the reserve roster and are obligated to attend three days of annual military training for six years (5 years from 2021).
Non-active duty personnel, or "supplemental service" personnel serve for various lengths: 1 year nine months for social work personnel (better known as public service worker - personnel ordered to do public service work at places that require auxiliary workers such as Local community centers like City Hall, Government Agencies, and Public Facilities like Subway Station); 2 years ten months for arts and sports personnel or industrial technical personnel; and three years for public health doctors, lawyers, veterinarians, or expert researchers.
Some of K-Pop's most popular idols have been performing their compulsory military service for the last 2 years and finally their date for release has arrived.
1. BTOB's Minhyuk - September 12
The BTOB member enlisted in the military in January of 2019 as a conscripted policeman and is set to be discharged on the 12th of September 2020. Fans can't wait to have him back!
2. VIXX's N - October 7
As the leader of the group and also the oldest member of VIXX, N is the first member to enlist for the military service. On March 4, 2019, N officially started his military service and is set to be released on October 7, 2020.
3. SHINee's Key - October 7
Following Onew's enlistment in December, the singer bid farewell to his fans as he arrived at the Korea Army Training Centre in Nonsan on 4 March. He's also set to return on October 7 of 2020.
4. 2AM's Jinwoon - October 7
Jinwoon enlisted in the military on March 4, 2019 and is set to be discharged on the same day as N and Key.
5. INFINITE's Sungyeol - October 27
On March 26, Sungyeol entered the training center of the 37th Infantry Division located in Jeungpyung Country in North Chungcheung Province where he went through basic military training at, after which he received his official assignment and begin serving as an active duty soldier.
6. SHINee's Minho - November 15
Minho entered the military back in April of 2019 and was even awarded for his excellence in completing military training. He's returning from his service in November of this year.
7. INFINITE's Dongwoo - November 15
On April 15 at 2 p.m. KST, Dongwoo entered the 6th Infantry Division recruit training center located in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province. He finishes his service on November 15, 2020.
8. Highlight's Kikwang - November 18
On April 18, Lee Gikwang entered the Nonsan Army Recruit Training Center in South Chungcheong Province, where he received basic military training before beginning his service as a conscripted policeman at the Gyeonggi Southern Provincial Police Agency. He returns in November of this year.
9. EXO's Xiumin - December 6
Xiumin enlisted for his mandatory military service on May 7, 2019, serving active duty. His return is highly anticipated and is set to finish his duty in December of this year.
10. Highlight's Dongwoon - December 8
On May 9, Son Dongwoon also entered the Nonsan Army Recruit Training Center in South Chungcheong Province, where he received basic military training before officially beginning his service as a conscripted policeman. Dongwoon returns following Kikwang's discharge on December 8, 2020.
