This year, fans will witness the return of their beloved K-pop idols after completing their mandatory military service. However, upon the idols return, some Korean actors are to bid farewell as the date of their enlistment nears.
First to return this year is Kim Hyun-joong of SS501 who will be discharged on Feb. 11, while his band mate Park Jung-min is set to complete his service on Jul. 1. Both member of TVXQ Yunho and Changmin will also be discharged on Apr. 20 and Aug. 18, respectively.
Adding to the list is JYJ's Yoochun who is also expected to leave the army in Aug. 26. Super Junior Eunhyuk, Donghae, and Siwon will also be discharged on Jul. 12, Jul. 14, and Aug. 18, respectively.
Further, Lee Seung-gi, who joined the army last February 2016 is expected to be discharged on Oct. 31. The 29-year old singer joined the army with the singe "I'm Going to the Military," as reported by KpopHerald.
This year, stars born between 1986 and 1988 will give up their celebrity lifestyle to fulfill their military duty as Korean citizens. This includes "The Legend of the Blue Sea" actor Lee Min Ho, "My Love from the Star" Kim Soo Hyun, and "Love Rain" Jang Keun-suk.
Fellow actors Joo Won, Seo In-guk, and Ji Chang-wook also showed intentions to join the army this year. It can be recalled that Ji previously discussed his enlistment plans in an interview after wrapping up his drama "The K2."
"I am expecting a summons sometime in February or March next year. The actual date of enlistment is something I won't know until it happens," the 29-year old actor revealed as translated by Soompi.
Further, K-pop stars Junsu of JYJ and BIGBANG's T.O.P will join the police force by Feb. 9. SS501's Kim will join the duo, however exacted date of his enlistment has not been settled yet.
In a recent press conference, Super Junior's Kyuhyun is said to enlist this year being the last one in the group who did not enlist yet. Reports reveal that BIGBANG's leader G-Dragon may also join T.O.P this year.
Also known as mandatory military service, conscription is legislated in South Korea which requires all Korean men ages 18 to 35 to render a maximum 2 years of public service.
Meanwhile, catch G-Dragon and T.O.P in "IF YOU" below: