Several fan-favorite idols like BTS’ Jungkook, EXO’s Kai, and NCT’s Taeyong have traded their stage mics for military gear between 2023 and 2024. These K-pop have left thousands of broken hearts after their service date was announced, but fear not! Fans are counting down the calendars to have them back again.
Here’s a top 10 list of K-pop idols who answered their country’s call between 2023 and 2024:
- Jimin (BTS): the BTS superstar kicked things off by enlisting on December 12, 2023. His anticipated discharge date is June 2025, likely on June 11, 2025.
Jimin during the military era ⁀➴
• Enlist date: 12.12.2023
• Discharge date: 11.06.2025— ♡ An Ongoing Thread ♡ — pic.twitter.com/P3G0OgIsfM
— 𝚋𝚘𝚖𝚒🦋 (@Gorgeousjm13) May 21, 2024
- RM (BTS): the BTS leader broke hearts enlisting in the military on December 11, 2023 along with bandmate V. Fans have been hoping hard for his June 10, 2025 return.
Star News reports that RM and V will enlist in the military together on 11th December and then Jimin and Jungkook on 12th. pic.twitter.com/n7uYODnRwj
— Viral Takes (@viraltakes) November 29, 2023
- Kai (EXO): Kai got drafted on May 11, 2023, with an expected return on February 10, 2025. EXO-Ls are holding their collective breath!
D-97 until Jongin gets discharged
🏠: 10. February 2025
🖼️: black🖤#EXO #KIMJONGIN #KAI #EXOL #SuperM
Follow & turn on the 🔔 to not miss any daily countdown 🙂 pic.twitter.com/Jf4o0AtK1t
— Kpop Military Countdowns (@KpopMilitary) November 5, 2024
- Jinyoung (GOT7): Jinyoung enlisted on May 8, 2023. Mark your calendars for November 7, 2024, because that’s when the actor-idol will be back.
D-2️⃣ until Jinyoung gets discharged
🏠: 7. November 2024
🖼️: black🖤#JINYOUNG #ParkJinyoung #진영 #GOT7 #ahgase #IGOT7
Follow & turn on the 🔔 to not miss any daily countdown 🙂 pic.twitter.com/bGxO3nTrsF
— Kpop Military Countdowns (@KpopMilitary) November 5, 2024
- Sehun (EXO): Our favorite maknae from EXO enlisted on December 21, 2023, leaving fans tearing up but proud. He’s set to come back on September 20, 2025.
EXO SEHUN has completed 50% of his military service duty!#SEHUN #엑소 @weareoneEXO pic.twitter.com/dgnLK4FAl8
— EXO Charts (@exochartstats) November 4, 2024
- Mino (WINNER): Mino checked in on March 24, 2023, swapping out his art supplies for military duties. He’ll be back in our hearts on December 23, 2024, ready to slay once again.
D-48 until Mino gets discharged
🏠: 23. December 2024
🖼️: black🖤#MINO #SongMinho #송민호 #WINNER #INNERCIRCLE
Follow & turn on the 🔔 to not miss any daily countdown 🙂 pic.twitter.com/YBQBtIukzM
— Kpop Military Countdowns (@KpopMilitary) November 5, 2024
- Taeyong (NCT): The NCT leader enlisted on April 15, 2024, shocking NCTzens. His highly anticipated return is set for December 14, 2025.
the beauTYful rose TAEYONG 태용🌹 in the Navy ⚓
Enlist 15 apr 2024 mon
Discharge 14 dec 2025 sunD-406 03 nov 2024 sun 🫡#AlwaysHereTaeyong#언제나_태용이편 #TAEYONG #태용 pic.twitter.com/wZ68d4fzv9
— Lαℓαఌ🌹ⁿᵃᵛʸ ʷᶦᶠᵉ⚓🧜♀️ (@iamtaeyongs) November 3, 2024
- Jay B (GOT7): Jay B took off his leader hat for a soldier’s helmet on February 2, 2023. He was happily discharged on November 1 this year.
#GOT7’s #JAYB confirms solo comeback for late November following military discharge
According to an exclusive report from Maeil Business Star today, JAY B is set to release a new solo album later this month, marking his official return to the music scene#제이비 @jaybnow_hr pic.twitter.com/AxWIpHIoWm
— 𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐜𝐞 (@cyjprint) November 2, 2024
- Jungkook (BTS): Our golden maknae joined the ranks on December 12, 2023, alongside Jimin, making ARMYs sobbing messes. He’ll be back on June 11, 2025.
NAMJOON, TAEHYUNG,JIMIN, JUNGKOOK HAVE OFFICIALLY COMPLETED 60% OF THEIR MILITARY SERVICE OMG 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/SvLspASaQ5
— Carolyne🌱⁷⁼¹ (@mhereonlyforbts) November 3, 2024
- Jaehyun (NCT): Jaehyun marched off to serve on November 4, 2024, leaving NCTzens in a whirlwind. His anticipated discharge on May 3, 2026, has fans counting the days.
Jaehyun of NCT has officially enlisted in the military service. pic.twitter.com/IYxnIlZbkQ
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) November 4, 2024
By: Carlos Andrés Gaviria
