Known as a legendary trainee under SM Entertainment, Ji Hansol suddenly left the company in 2017 amid preparation to debut in NCT. Five years later, where is he now?
Ji Hansol 2013 to 2017: SM ROOKIES, NCT's 'Switch,' Departure From SM Entertainment
In 2013, Ji Hansol gained attention from K-pop fans after being introduced as the newest member of the pre-debut team, SM ROOKIES.
With his incredible dance skills which are a combination of sexiness and power, he was featured by a lot of K-pop idols in their MVs such as in J-Min's "Shine, " NCT's "Switch," and he even became a backup dancer to EXO Lay and SHINee Taemin.
With his main dancer-worthy skills, K-pop fans are closely anticipating his debut, as he was reportedly joining NCT as well.
Unfortunately, Ji Hansol left SM Entertainment in 2017 without a clear reason.
2017 to 2019: Newkidd-Lemme Spoil U, UNB Debut, Newkidd Official Launch
After leaving SM Entertainment, he signed with a new nest J-FLO Entertainment and announced his participation in the idol rebooting project, "The Unit," which started airing in October 2017.
Amid the show, his company broke the news that they would be debuting a new boy group called Newkidd. Their activities will start with the launch of a sub-unit Lemme Spoil U, wherein Hansol was included.
In January 2018 then, Ji Hansol was confirmed to join the winning group from "The Unit," and will have his second debut under UNB. The group, after being introduced, gained massive success. Unfortunately, it disbanded in January 2019.
With his popularity, J-FLO delivered the news that Hansol will officially debut as a member of Newkidd in April of that year. Newkidd enjoyed decent success, also Hansol's popularity was a huge factor.
But in 2020, they slowly "disappeared" until fans noticed that almost half of the members were nowhere to be seen.
With the fans' complaints, the company responded and confessed that three members are actually hospitalized due to health issues, including Hansol.
Where Is Hansol Now?
After speculations that Hansol was having health issues, J-FLO Entertainment in February 2021 suddenly announced his military enlistment. as a public service officer. At the same time, the company hinted at the comeback of Newkidd in the first half of that year.
Fans were confused as to why Hansol had to enter the military before their comeback when he was not past the age when he has to serve the military whether he likes it or not.
But based on the official statement of the company, it was Hansol's wish to not postpone his enlistment after getting his draft notice. In the end, fans respected his decision.
Currently, he's still serving in the military. Ji Hansol is expected to be discharged on November 21, 2022, and fans are excited to see his next step after finishing service.
READ MORE: Where is UNB Now? The Male Group Formed Through Mnet's Survival Show 'The Unit'
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Written by Eunice Dawson.
