EXO is a boy group with nine members: Suho, Xiumin, Lay, Baekhyun, Chen, Chanyeol, D.O., Kai, and Sehun. They were debuted on April 8, 2012, under SM Entertainment. The group became popular with their very first album, and have been called “Kings of K-Pop” by the media. Now, each of the members who are Koreans will be facing military service as their age has become eligible for the regulations. Let’s find out more about it on this Channel-Korea! Stay tuned!
Xiumin’s Military Enlistment
Xiumin, who has the real name Kim Min Seok, enlisted in the military on May 7. 2019. He became the first member who joined the duty as a citizen of South Korea. Xiumin was born on March 26, 1990, which made him 30 years old in 2019 and required him to fulfill his mandatory enlistment. He is also the oldest among the members, making him the first one who had to join the military service. He preferred to be quiet about his starting date, and in April 2019, SM Entertainment officially announced the compulsory military service would begin on May 7. To begin his service, Xiumin needed to enter the recruit training center in Yanggu County of Gangwon Province. Due to this enrollment, he posted a photo on his Instagram of him shaving all his hair. Although Xiumin had already cut his hair in several unique ways during his career. This would be the sign of him getting real to join the military for the next two years. On the caption, he wrote, “You are all of the reasons that I walk,” which turned out to be one of the lines of upcoming lyrics for the track “You”. Not to be the last, he also added, “Here are some more (photos). Goodbye for now.” The Instagram post received more than 1.5 million likes in just a couple of hours, as well as farewell messages from EXO fans. Chanyeol EXO, staff of SM Entertainment, Changmin TVXQ also supported Xiumin through his journey in the military. Chanyeol wrote, “While you protect the country (South Korea), we will protect EXO and EXO-L. I will visit you together with Jong In (Kai).” Other members also commented to remind him to take care of his skin, although they know Xiumin is the number one person who is always neglecting to maintain his skincare routine. Before coming to his official assignments, Xiumin needed to be complete four weeks of basic military training first. See you in two years, Xiumin! Safe service!
D.O’s Military Enlistment
D.O.’s military enlistment came as a surprise, since he was only 26 years when he decided to join this duty as a soldier. Upon a week before July 1, D.O volunteered to begin his mandatory military service in the summer of 2019. SM Entertainment also nodded on the news that D.O was doing his military service. They explained, “D.O. received his enlistment notice for July 1, so he will dutifully enlist as active duty. After Xiumin enlisted on May 7 and became the first EXO member to serve, D.O. expressed that he wishes to fulfill his military duties as soon as possible. So after a thorough discussion with the members and the company, he decided to apply. He wishes to enlist quietly, so we will not be announcing the time and location of his enlistment. We will also not be holding any events, either.” This news also related to their solo concert, ‘EXOPLANET # 5 – EXplOration,’ for six days in July. This sudden news put a hold on the concert that was supposed to begin from July 19 to 21 and continue on July 26-28 at KSPO DOME, Seoul, South Korea. D.O., who has real name Doh Kyung-soo, also making confirmation statements on social media. Here is the translation regarding his decisions, “Hello, this is EXO’s D.O., EXO-Ls, the sudden news must have been surprising for everyone, right? I wanted to first share the news (with you), so I have a heavy heart because I feel like it’s a little late. I’m posting this letter because I wanted to let you know that as much as this decision was made after lots of consideration, I will return healthily and safely. I sincerely thank EXO-Ls, who is always supportive, and I hope that everyone will always be healthy and have days that are filled with things that make you laugh. I will carefully serve and return to greet you all with a healthy image. Thank you.” D.O. also kept his location assignment in military service a secret, to protect his privacy. Before D.O. left to fulfill his duty, the EXO members showed him their respect and support. Look at the photo above, which was uploaded on EXO’s official social media. Seeing D.O. had already shaved his hair, demonstrating that he was ready to start his first journey in military service. Suho, as the leader of EXO, showed his encouragement, saying “We are one! Let’s love, EXO!” Moreover, fellow member Chanyeol also posted several pictures with the caption, “Don’t get hurt.” This support really melts the heart, and looking at this candid photo of them all messing around says, this is it the day! Looking forward to your return, and safe service, always!
Suho’s Military Enlistment
Suho released a statement about his own enlistment to military service on May 4, 2020. In fact, Suho is surely going into the military soon. Since he turns 29 this year, he could join anytime nown. He uploaded this message below to the official line community space in Lysn: “Hello, our EXO-L. This is Suho. I am writing this letter today because there is something I need to tell you all. On May 14, I will be enlisting in the military to carry out my duties. I think I will really miss our EXO-L during that time. I hope our EXO-L, who think of me and love me every day, will always be healthy. I sincerely thank you, and I love you. We are one, EXO. Let’s love.” Quoted from Soompi, SM Entertainment also confirmed this news explaining, “Suho will be enlisting on May 14. The time and location of his enlistment will not be disclosed.” This is a summary of three members of EXO who have joined the mandatory service.
Who’s Next?
Regarding their age, Chanyeol, Chen, and Baekhyun could expect to begin their military service in 2021. Fortunately, Xiumin, who was the first to enlist, will be discharged in December 2020, and D.O. will complete his obligation on January 25, 2021. The maknae, or the youngest, Kai and Sehun, could be the last people who will be in the service. Kai and Sehun are expected to begin their terms as duty soldiers around 2023, since they were born on around 1994. EXO could be reunited as a full team around 2025. Are you ready? That’s all about the EXO members that are enlisted into the military service. Safe service for everyone! Rooting for you come back soon! Don’t forget to give your comments and share your thoughts below!
