A.C.E Leader Jun Enlists for Mandatory Military Service

A.C.E leader Jun enlisted for his mandatory military service this week, and his fellow K-pop stars were there to send him off!

(Photo : Beat Interactive)

On Tuesday, Feb. 7, Jun became the third member of A.C.E to enlist in the military. Donghun and Wow enlisted as public service workers in September 2021.

A.C.E Members Send Off Jun

Since Donghun and Wow already completed their mandatory military service, they were there to send off Jun, alongside two other A.C.E members, Byeongkwan and Chan.

220207 Donghun Instagram story update ✨

My little brother who has always been my support, come back safely pic.twitter.com/iCsdGS6LyS
— A.C.E TRANSLATION (@acetranslation) February 7, 2022

Donghun also shared an adorable video of the group saying their goodbyes to Jun. Wow also uploaded a video showing Jun preparing to enter the basic training center.

Mandatory Military Service in South Korea

South Korean men, once they turn 18, are eligible to enlist in the military. Serving the military is mandatory and required by law. K-pop idols are no exception.

[VIDEO] 220207 | Seyoon Instagram Story update sending Junhee off to the military

📹 https://t.co/QFje00Psw0 @official_ACE7 #ACE #에이스 pic.twitter.com/7YRGZAWq0I
— Choice NAtion 💛D7 ❤️D14 (@CHOICE_NAtion7) February 7, 2022

At the age of 19, Korean men are required to under a physical exam that would determine if he's suitable to take part in mandatory military training. Those who are not fit will be exempted from the training, and those that are qualified would push through with it.

Korean men are required to attend their military service between 18 and 21 months. After completing this period, they are listed on the reserve roster and are required to attend three days of annual military training for the next six years.

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Several K-pop idols have already enlisted in the military. For instance, EXO members Xiumin and D.O. were the first to enlist out of the nine-member group. Currently, EXO members Chen, Suho, Baekhyun, and Chanyeol are serving the army.

In October 2019, photos of BIGBANG G-Dragon in his military uniform surfaced online. The snaps were taken after he completed his service.

As of May 2021, ten K-pop idols were enlisted in the military. They were EXO Suho, VIXX Ken, SHINee Taemin, Lee Seung Hoon of WINNER, F.T. Island Minhwan, INFINITE Sung Jong, BTOB Sungjae, and more.

K-pop Groups Go Through Changes While Members Are in Military Service

K-pop groups continue to release new music as long as not all members of the group are in military service at the same time. The K-pop groups simply have to make do with the remaining members.

Since the duration of a Korean man's military service lasts about two years, all K-pop idols that are serving their term have to put their careers on hold.

In some instances, the K-pop groups also decide which member would enlist in the military first depending on who could stay and release new music.

The time apart can also be beneficial for the remaining members of the K-pop group. After all, they can also pursue their solo careers and release individual music or albums during this time.

When the K-pop idols complete their military service, they can also return to the industry either as a solo artist first before rejoining their K-pop group.