EXO's Kai to enlist in the military this May
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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.
NOOO PLS DONT LEAVE MEEEE i'm so saaaaaddd pic.twitter.com/MnwWMSiu8e
-- tigerlily (@tigerlilyitme) May 3, 2023
the way I just witnessed them as a whole group after 2 years of stanning but it was too short. anyways serve well jongin and comeback faster 😭 pic.twitter.com/9F9RCMwbto
-- J (@J_maniac49) May 3, 2023
Serve well. Actually i already prepare myself for this kind of news but i don't know it will be this fast. 😭
-- min ;) (@xybaetae__) May 3, 2023
I just can't...
-- EX꩜'sEllie 🐦 (@exosellie) May 3, 2023
He is like "See, I got a new phone as promised, but... then I found out about the news"
I literally can't handle this.
KAI WE WILL WAIT FOR YOU#KAI #카이 @weareoneEXO #EXO #엑소 #Jongin #종인 #カイ #金钟仁 EXO KAI Kim Jongin #카이버블pic.twitter.com/6PrEFQ1tIU
i'm gonna miss jongin's smile so much, kai we will wait for you 🤍 pic.twitter.com/1a7QBC2u1h
-- maria is seeing sechanbaek ʚɞ (@ohsenh) May 3, 2023
Kai is crying😭😭we will always be with you. KAI WE WILL WAIT FOR YOU ❣️❣️ pls be back healthy. we will be here for u @weareoneEXO pic.twitter.com/VWASncTaIC
-- EXOPublicity (SLOW) (@EXOPublicity) May 3, 2023
🐻: I only knew this today too so pls understand me tomorrow I will be smiling again!
-- duyung ୧⍤⃝ 🍒 (@llloooyeebabe) May 3, 2023
Jongin i'll trust you! keep smiling and be happy 🥹💔
KAI WE WILL WAIT FOR YOU #카이 #KAI @weareoneEXO pic.twitter.com/HllzI6pFZ5
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.
