By law, South Korea requires able-bodied men from 18 to 28 years old to render military service. They're obliged to join the South Korean army for around two years. Although, exceptions are made only if they're "classical musicians and athletes who win international competitions."
Hence, celebrities aren't exactly free from this obligation! This year, Korean stars born in 1992 are expected to be performing military duties. And if you're having trouble keeping track, below is a list of Korean stars who have enlisted and who are supposed to enlist within the year.
1. Suho of EXO
EXO’s leader quietly enlisted in the military on May 14. He is the third member of EXO to enlist after Xiumin and D.O.
2 & 3. Im Hyun Sik and Yook Sung Jae of BTOB
After filming his latest drama, Mystic Pop-Up Bar, Yook Sung Jae enlisted in the military on May 11 alongside his bandmate, Im Hyun Sik.
4. Jang Ki Yong
You've probably heard of Jang Ki Yong from dramas like Confession Couple and My Mister, and a whole lot of other dramas. But since he's born on August 7, 1992, Ki Yong is expected to enlist later this year.
5. L (Kim Myung Soo) of Infinite
You've seen him in dramas like Ms. Hammurabi and Master’s Sun, but ICYDK, Kim Myung Soo, is actually a member of K-pop boy group Infinite! He was born on March 13, 1992, and is slated to enlist within the year.
6. Kim Dong Joon of ZE:A
Kim Dong Joon, who's born on February 11, 1992, is also expected to enlist this year. He'll be following his bandmate, Park Hyung Sik, who entered the military last year.
7. Jin Ho of Pentagon
Jin Ho of Pentagon joined his labelmates Hyun Sik and Sung Jae on May 11 to enlist. He is the first member of Pentagon to join the military.
8. Park Bo Gum
Park Bo Gum may have enlisted on August 31, 2020, but he still updates his twitter account with Record of Youth content! If you find yourself missing Bogummy, we wrote about 3 of his upcoming projects to look forward to.
9. & 10. Kim Jin Woo and Lee Seung Hoon of WINNER
Kim Jin Woo was born in September 1991, so he was able to hold off enlistment until 2020. He entered the military on April 2.
Shortly after Jin Woo's enlistment, his bandmate, Lee Seung Hoon, announced that he will also be enlisting in the military. Seung Hoon joined the military on April 16.
11. Jin of BTS
The world-renowned K-pop group's oldest member, Jin, was born on December 4, 1992, and he'll be the first member to leave for the army. In a press conference, Jin addressed the matter saying if he's called into the army,"[he's] ready to serve anytime." He's slated to render his military service late this year or in 2021.
12. Woo Do Hwan
You've seen Woo Do Hwan's impressive acting chops in The King: Eternal Monarch as Jo Young or Jo Eun Seob. The 27-year-old actor uploaded a handwritten letter on Instagram announcing his enlistment, which began on July 6, 2020.
13. Shownu of Monsta X
Born on June 18, 1992, Monsta X's leader is expected to enlist this year as well. However, Shownu and his agency have yet to make any announcements when exactly he'll do so.
14. Yang Se Jong
The Dr. Romantic actor Yang Se Jong shared a heartfelt letter to his fans when he quietly enlisted in the 27th Division in Hwacheon, Gangwon province on April 30.
15. Seungri
The former maknae of BIGBANG enlisted on March 9 at the 6th Infantry Recruit Training Center in Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province. Seungri announced on March 11, 2019 that he will retire from the entertainment industry.