Siwon of Super Junior arrives for the United Asian Film Night during the 18th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) on October 6, 2013. (Photo : Getty Images/Chung Sung Jun)
Several Kpop idols and South Korean celebrities are nearing the end of their mandatory military service. The duo TVXQ, as well as a few band members from Super Junior, SS501, JYY, including singer-actor Lee Seung Gi, will soon return to the entertainment industry.
Two years ago, many fans were forced to temporarily say goodbye to their favorite South Korean actors and Kpop idols given their mandatory military service. With the start of a new year, nine of these celebrities will leave their army lives to resume their respective careers.
The first quarter of 2017 will mark the end of SS501 band member Kim Hyung Joong's military service. Known for his role in the hit drama "Boys Over Flowers" and the controversy surrounding his former girlfriend, the singer is expected to be discharged on Feb. 11, according to Korea Herald.
Come April, one-half of the duo TVXQ will also be released from the military. Yunho is expected to end his mandatory military service on April 20.
Meanwhile, the second quarter of the year will see six Kpop idols ending their military service with SS501 band member Park Jung Min set for discharge on July 1, followed by Super Junior members Eunhyuk and Donghae on July 12 and July 14, respectively. TVXQ singer Changmin and Super Junior's Siwon will both leave the army on Aug. 18, while JYJ band member Yoo Chun will end his military assignment on Aug. 26.
Towards the third quarter of 2017, former "2 Days 1 Night" cast member Lee will swap his army gear for civilian clothes. The actor-singer's military discharge date is set for Oct. 31.
However, with the impending return of the said Kpop idols, several famous actors and singers are expected to start their military service this year such as Lee Min Ho, Kim Soo Hyun and Jang Geun Suk. Kpop idols such as JYJ's Junsu, Bigbang's T.O.P. and others will also enlist soon.
Two 2PM band members namely Jun K. and Taecyeon are also expected to start their military service this year. To commemorate the Kpop idol band's final months together, 2PM will hold its last concert series with all of its band members present, according to a recent JYP Entertainment announcement, as obtained by Yonhap News.
The six-member group will hold a six-night performance series, dubbed "6nights," at Seoul's Olympic Park from Feb. 24 until Feb. 26 and on March 3 until March 5. Watch a clip of 2PM performing the track "Promise (I'll Be)" below:
