EXO member Kai is heading to the military this May.
His music label SM Entertainment released a statement confirming his enlistment details.
Korean news outlet Soompi posted a letter from SM Entertainment on May 3. The label said Kai was preparing for EXO's comeback later this year, but had to enlist for his mandatory service due to “a recent change in regulations of the Military Manpower Administration.”
"Hello. This is SM Entertainment.
We have come to relay sudden news to fans regarding Kai's military service.
Kai was preparing for EXO's comeback scheduled for this year, but due to a recent change in regulations of the Military Manpower Administration, he is set to enter the army recruit training center on May 11 where he will receive basic military training, and he will then serve as a public service worker.
In respect of Kai's intention to enlist quietly, his enlistment location and time will not be revealed, and there will be no special event on the day of, so we ask for the understanding of fans.
Regarding the plans for EXO's album, we will inform you once the details are sorted out. Thank you."
Additionally, Kai's enlistment location and time will be kept confidential without any official event on the day of his recruitment.
Although EXO-Ls, the boy group's fandom, are saddened by this news, they sent well wishes to Kai on social media. Check out fans' reactions below.
Meanwhile, EXO's album release date is still being discussed.
Kai will be the seventh EXO member to enlist for the military. EXO members Xiumin, D.O, Suho, Chen, Chanyeol, and Baekhyun have all completed their mandatory services. He made his first solo debut in 2020 with the mini-album Kai. In 2021, he released his second mini-album Peaches, and in 2023 he made a comeback with his third mini-album Rover.
Kai is the center and main dancer of the K-pop boy band EXO. Among its members, he will be the seventh one to enter the military.
All able-bodied males from South Korea are expected to serve in the military. K-pop idols are given until the age of 30 to defer their service. Last January 14, Kai turned 29 years old.
Fans and Kai, himself, were shocked by the sudden news. Although he was expected to enter the military soon, Kai thought he had more time before he enlists. According to SM's statement, there have been recent changes in the regulations of the Military Manpower Administration causing Kai's enlistment to happen earlier than expected.
Last night, Kai hopped on Instagram Live to personally talk to EXO-Ls. He admits that the news has just been recently revealed to him. He even revealed that he bought a new phone for the full group comeback of EXO.
Kai shed a few tears and expressed that he will miss EXO and EXO-L. He also asked them to patiently wait for his return.
Despite the sad news, EXO-Ls kept assuring Kai that they will continue to support him and wait for his return. We will see you soon, Mr. Rover!