South Korean men are required to enlist in the military, and the cut-off age is 28 years old. Whether they're a student, a CEO in a company, an actor, or a K-pop idol, they have to render service to the nation for about 18 months, which means putting their careers on hold for a while. For us fans, this means we won't really hear much from them while they're enlisted.
Anyway, a new year is almost here, so we've taken the liberty of listing down all the Korean stars who will be discharged from the military in 2021:
1. EXO's D.O. - January 25, 2021
When he enlisted: July 1, 2019
Guess who's cooking up a storm as a chef in the army? It's our squishy Kyungsoo aka D.O..! Really, what can he not do? Singing, acting, cooking—you name it, he can do it! After his military discharge, the EXO member will star in the upcoming movie The Moon, along with veteran actor Sol Kyung Gu.
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2. 2PM's Chansung - January 5, 2021
When he enlisted: June 11. 2019
Just like his fellow 2PM member Taecyeon, Chansung also served as an army assistant instructor in the 5th Infantry Division in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province! Earlier this year, he was spotted hanging out during his rest day with 2PM member Jun.K.
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3. 2PM's Junho - March 20, 2021
When he enlisted: May 30, 2019
Hottests are going to be the happiest next year because another 2PM member will be released from service! While he's in the military, Junho didn't fail to show his support to his friends by sending gifts (including Korean actress Song Ji Hyo) and to donate to different causes in his country.
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4. B1A4's Baro - 2021
When he enlisted: July 30, 2019
While we're still waiting for the specific date of his discharge, let us all commend Baro for being a first-placer during his basic training in the military last year!
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5. B1A4's Jinyoung - April 9, 2021
When he enlisted: June 20, 2019
Before he enlisted, Jinyoung suffered a shoulder injury and had to get surgery. This prevented him from doing rigorous training and so he became a social service worker at the Nonsan Army Training Center in Chungcheongnam.
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6. FTISLAND's Lee Hongki - April 2021
When he enlisted: September 30, 2019
According to fan reports, Lee Hongki will be discharged in the second quarter of 2021. In July this year, he sent a food truck to the set of It's Okay To Not Be Okay as a way of supporting his bowling buddy, Kim Soo Hyun.
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7. FTISLAND's Lee Jaejin - August 2021
When he enlisted: January 21, 2020
The second FTISLAND member who entered military training, Lee Jaejin is reported to be released from service in the third quarter of 2021. Also, can we just say that he looks super cute in this haircut?!
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8. FTISLAND's Minhwan - September 2021
When he enlisted: February 24, 2019
Minhwan quietly entered his training in February last year and is currently serving as a reserve soldier. He is married to LABOUM's Yulhee and is a father of three adorable kids.
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9. Seungri - September 16, 2021
When he enlisted: March 9, 2020
Seungri entered the military earlier this year at the 6th Infantry Recruit Training Center in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province. Before he began his conscription, the former BIGBANG member was "indicted charges of mediating prostitution services, habitual gambling, and violation of the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act" according to an article by Soompi.
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10. Infinite's Sungjong - May 2021
When he enlisted: July 22, 2019
Sungjong announced his conscription last year by writing a personal letter to his fans. As the fourth Infinite member to join the military, he enlisted as a public service worker. Despite his schedule, Sungjong was still able to attend fellow member Sunggyu's solo concert in February this year.
11. Infinite's Woohyun - August 2021
When he enlisted: October 24, 2019
Similar to Sungjong, Woohyun also enlisted as a public service worker at the Nonsan Army Recruit Training Center in South Chungcheong Province. In 2014, he got into an accident leading to a shoulder surgery, which is why he's in the public service department.
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12. PENTAGON's Jinho, BTOB's Sungjae and Hyunsik (November 2021)
When they enlisted: May 11, 2020
The three artists from Cube Entertainment entered the army together and became soldiers at the Nonsan Army Training Center in South Chungcheong Province. You will be teary-eyed when you watch these videos of them hugging their group members before they bid goodbye. Awww. :(
13. Yang Se Jong - November 2021
When he enlisted: May 12, 2020
Did you know that the Dr. Romantic actor was recognized for his outstanding service in the military "for being a model recruit"? Great job, Se Jong!
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