We're about to see SEVENTEEN's Wonwoo in his military look—and we're not sure how to feel about it. The K-pop idol is now the second SEVENTEEN member to enlist in the military.
In a statement released by the boy group's home agency, PLEDIS Entertainment, Wonwoo is set to start his mandatory military service on April 3, 2025 (which is less than a month from today!). PLEDIS noted that Wonwoo will be halting his participation in SEVENTEEN's official activities to prepare for his enlistment this month, except for the group's annual SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND concert slated for March 20 to 21, 2025.
"There will be no official event on the day of his enlistment, and we kindly request that you refrain from visiting the site of his alternative military service. [...] We ask for your continued love and support for the artist until his safe and healthy return. We will also stay committed to providing WONWOO with all the necessary support during this time. Thank you," PLEDIS stated.
Wonwoo was last spotted attending the Burberry fashion show during Milan Fashion Week.
SEVENTEEN's military enlistment
ICDYK, SEVENTEEN has 13 members—and the members have the strongest bond with each other. The first member to enter the military was one of their eldest members, Jeonghan. His enlistment was announced in August 2024, and began in September the same year.
At the time, Jun's indefinite hiatus from the group's activities was also announced. Jun is one of their Chinese members (The8 being the other one). In their past statement, Jun will be focusing on his career as an actor in China, which is why he's halting his commitments with the group. Nonetheless, everyone's patiently waiting for his return—and of course, for the OT13 comeback from famous K-pop group.
ALSO READ: SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan And Jun To Skip 2024 World Tour
It's been a while since rumors of the members' enlistment went around. Of course, it is expected that the eldest members will be the first ones to serve in the military. ICYDK, South Korean men are mandated to train as reserve military officers before they hit 35 years old. South Korean celebs often do it before they turn 30.
Looking at SEVENTEEN's age, their leader S.Coups was first expected to serve but was exempted due to his past knee injury that led to a major surgery in 2023. Then came Jeonghan. After him, Joshua comes next by age, but legally, he is not required to serve in the Korean military as he was born in the U.S., so he is an American citizen by birth.
Hoshi, Wonwoo, and Woozi are all '96 liners and are all expected to enlist. Most thought that Hoshi and Woozi's enlistment would be announced first, given that the two created their own sub-unit and released a few songs for the fans. Hoshi x Woozi will even be conducting a fan party called, "The 96ers Show," featuring their first single album, BEAM.
SEVENTEEN debuted in 2015 and rose to fame with their top tracks "Aju Nice," "Don't Wanna Cry," and more. Now, they're conquering the world with their solo activities like attending fashion weeks, bagging endorsements, and still going on tour for their fans. They were the first K-pop artist to do a sold-out concert at the Philippine Arena Stadium with their Follow Tour in Bulacan.
