As a K-pop fan, one inevitable experience is having to see your male faves enlist in the military. ICYDK, it's mandated by the government that South Korean men must fulfill their military service for at least two years once they reach the age of 28 (with special exceptions for Korean athletes and classical musicians who win international competitions). With that, idols who are born in 1995 and earlier will be enlisting soon. *cries* There are no official announcements yet regarding their enlistment dates, but we came up with a list to prepare ourselves for our soon-to-be military wife life.
Here are some K-pop idols who are *expected* to enlist this year:
1. Hwang Minhyun
Birthday: August 9, 1995
Minhyun debuted in 2012 as the lead vocalist and visual of the K-pop group NU'EST. In 2017, he debuted as a Wanna One member after four out of the five members of NU'EST joined the second season of Mnet's idol survival program, Produce 101. He has gained more recognition for his outstanding acting in the k-drama Alchemy Of Souls. Minhyun will be releasing his first solo album on February 27, 2023.
2. SEVENTEEN's S.Coups
Birthday: August 8, 1995
Choi Seungcheol, or more popularly known by his stage name S.Coups, debuted in 2015 as the leader of SEVENTEEN and also their sub-unit, the Hip-Hop team. He has participated in writing SEVENTEEN's discography and also in composing some of their tracks like "Kidult."
3. SEVENTEEN's Jeonghan
Birthday: October 4, 1995
Yoon Jeong Han, who goes by the stage name Jeonghan, is the lead vocalist and visual of SEVENTEEN and is part of their Vocal Team sub-unit. Just like S.Coups, Jeonghan has participated in writing SEVENTEEN's tracks and among them is a couple of the group's most popular songs "Don't Wanna Cry" and "Clap."
4. GOT7's Jinyoung
Birthday: September 22, 1994
Park Jinyoung, also known as Jinyoung, debuted in 2014 as the sub-vocalist and center and is also the face of the group GOT7. Jinyoung is currently busy meeting his fans in Asia through his fanconcert.
5. NCT's Taeyong
Birthday: July 1, 1995
Lee Taeyong, known as Taeyong, debuted in 2016 under NCT's first sub-unit, NCT U with the digital single "The 7th Sense." It was also in 2016 when he became the leader, rapper, and dancer of NCT's second sub-unit NCT 127. In 2019, he debuted once again under SM Entertainment's supergroup SuperM.
6. Ong Seong Wu
Birthday: August 25, 1995
Ong Seong Wu is currently a solo artist, singer, songwriter, and an actor. He debuted as the lead vocalist and main dancer of Wanna One in 2017 after placing fifth in Produce 101 Season 2. Ong Seong Wu will be starring in the drama Strong Woman Gang Nam Soon which is set to premiere on JTBC in the first half of 2023.
7. iKON's Bobby
Birthday: December 21, 1995
Kim Ji Won, or more popularly known by his stage name Bobby, debuted as the main rapper and sub-vocalist of iKON in 2015. Bobby is set to make his solo debut at the Wanderland Festival in Alabang, Philippines on March 5, 2023.
8. iKON's Song
Birthday: February 8, 1995
Song Yunhyeong, also known as Song, is also the sub-vocalist, visual, and center of iKON. Recently, the group ended its exclusive contract with YG Entertainment, but they clarified that they will continue their activities as a group under 143 Entertainment.
9. SF9's Dawon
Birthday: July 24, 1995
Lee Sang Hyuk, who goes by the stage name Dawon, debuted in 2016 as the lead vocalist and dancer of SF9. The group recently made their comeback with "Puzzle."
10. PENTAGON's Shinwon
Birthday: December 11, 1995
Go Shinwon is the vocalist of the K-pop boy group PENTAGON which debuted in 2016. He currently hosts EBS Radio's PENTAGON's Night Radio. In 2022, he has appeared in the web series Unicorn.
11. BTS' Suga
Birthday: March 9, 1993
Min Yoongi, more popularly known by his stage name Suga, debuted in 2013 as the lead rapper of the K-pop boy group BTS. He is also a dedicated songwriter and record producer. Currently, Suga has been hosting his drinking show Suchwita.