These 14 K-pop idols who enlisted in the second half of 2018 are returning from their mandatory military enlistment.
From BTOB's Minhyuk to SHINee's Key and EXO's D.O., fans from all over the world can't wait to see their oppas return to the music scene. Some groups would also be completed which can mean one thing, a group comeback!
Here's a list of the idols who are expected to return to entertainment activities soon. Are you guys ready to celebrate?
Born on November 29, 1990, Lee Min-hyuk or Minhyuk of BTOB enlisted as a conscripted police officer on February 7, 2019. He's expected to make a return this September 12, 2020, Melodies.
Cha Hak-yeon, or better known by his stage name N of VIXX, was born on June 30, 1990. A few months before his military enlistment, N created his own YouTube channel where he showed snippets of his life. On March 4, 2019, N enlisted in the army and even shared a video of his hair cut in addition to a letter he dedicated to Starlight. He will be discharged this coming October 7, 2020.
Following the early discharge of Onew, SHINee member Key is up next. Born on September 23, 1991, Key enlisted for his mandatory military conscription on March 4, 2019. It was the same day his album “I Wanna Be” was released. SHAWOLs are expected to give Key a warm welcome on October 7, 2020. We're talking to you, Ate Shawie!
Jeong Jinwoon enlisted for the military on March 4, 2019. Before entering the service, Jinwoon held a concert with fans on February 24. He is expected to make a return on October 7, 2020, as well.
This October 22, 2020, Block B's Jaehyo will be discharged. He made his enlistment on December 20, 2018. However, he injured his right knee joint, lateral femoral cartilages, and lateral meniscus announcing his discharge from the military a year later. Nonetheless, he continued his service as a public social worker.
Born on August 27, 1991, INFINITE member Sungyeol enlisted as an active-duty soldier on March 26, 2019. Despite taking a step back from the limelight, he remained the king of fan service even in the military. He's expected to make his return on October 27, 2020.
Another reason for SHAWOL's to celebrate! SHINee's Minho joined the Marine Corps on April 15, 2019, for his mandatory military enlistment. Minho's expected discharge date is November 15, 2020. Would SHINee's fans expect a group comeback this coming year? Only time will reveal.
Only two weeks after Sungyeol's discharge is INFINITE's Dongwoo. It was on April 15, 2019, when Dongwoo enlisted for his mandatory military service, serving as an active-duty soldier. He'll be making his return on November 15 as well.
Kikwang, the main dancer and lead vocalist of K-pop boy group BEAST (renamed HIGHLIGHT), began his mandatory military service on April 18, 2019, as a conscripted police officer. He's making his comeback on November 18, 2020.
EXOL's December is going to be extra merry as member Xiumin is going to be discharged on December 6! He is the first member of the K-pop boy group to enlist back on May 7, 2019. During his enlistment, he starred in the army musical “Return: The Promise of the Day” with SHINee member Onew.
Almost a month after Kikwang's discharge is HIGHLIGHT member Dongwoon. His discharge on December 8 will mean that all of HIGHLIGHT's members have completed their military duties. By then, the team will reunite and, hopefully, bless fans with new music.
The last idol for the year 2020 to be discharged is former Wanna One leader Yoon Ji-sung. After his enlistment on May 14, 2019, as an active-duty soldier, he released a digital single titled “Winter, Flower” as a gift for his fans. He also starred in the military musical “Return: The Promise of the Day.” He will be discharged on December 13, 2020.
K-drama actor and ZE:A member Park Hyungsik enlisted on June 10, 2019, and entered as an active-duty soldier. Before his enlistment, he received positive feedback for his shooting skills. He'll be making his return on January 4, 2020.
As bonus, EXO member D.O. is returning to the outside world come January 25. He made his enlistment on July 1, 2019, as an active-duty soldier. The same day, he released a solo track titled “That's Okay.” He got cast to star in the military musical “Return: The Promise of the Day. ”