2PM has been missing from many of the year-end award shows this year. This led to a lot of conjecture that the boy band was absent from the ceremonies in order to prepare for their mandatory military service next year.
However, Taecyeon has revealed the real reason why they have not been attending any of the events. During a live-streamed Christmas celebration event held to promote his own brand OkCat, the "Dream High" star touched on why 2PM decided not to show up at year-end ceremonies this year.
"Unfortunately, 2PM decided not to participate in the end-of-year music awards," the rapper was quoted as saying in the live-stream by Koreaboo. "It's going to take a long time for us to show ourselves to you. It's very disappointing."
The K-pop idol also promised fans that if he and the remaining five members of the boy band are together on New Year's Eve when the clock strikes 12, they would hold a live broadcast. However, he admitted that it is highly unlikely that the group will be together at the time.
In September, the band released their sixth studio album titled, "Gentleman's Game." The comeback album was their first release in a year and three months, Soompi reported. At the time of the release, Taecyeon announced on social media that the album would be their last promotion before their military enlistment in 2017.
It is mandatory for all South Korean men aged between 18 and 35 to serve in the military for two years and celebrities are no exception. During an episode of JTBC's "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator" in October, Taecyeon revealed that he will be the first member to start military service next year.
He also confirmed that all the remaining 2PM members, except for Nichkhun, plan to enlist in the military after wrapping up all of the group's promotional activities. 2PM will join another k-pop behemoth, BIGBANG, as both groups prepare to go on a hiatus in the coming year so that their members can fulfill their national duty.
Watch Taecyeon's OkCat live-stream below: