Since military duty is compulsory in Korea for all male citizens under their thirties, idols are no exception unless they have a valid reason that exempts them. Every year, some join the army while others are about to be demobilized. This year is no different as many idols are expected to return in the second half of 2022 after completing their service, which usually lasts at least 18 months, more or less.
In case you weren’t aware, here are 10 K-pop idols who will be returning from the military this year.
1. Ricky from Teen Top
The group’s lead dancer joined the military on January 18, 2021. After completing his basic military training, he served with the military band. He is expected to be released in July 2022.
2. The Rose Hajoon
The band’s drummer and rapper has been serving in the military since October 12, 2020. He joined the Air Force Military Band and is expected to complete his service in July 2022.
3. Park Kyung from Block B
Initially beginning his military service on October 19, 2022, Park Kyung’s release date has been postponed. This sudden change is due to his state of health, which led him to change his role from an active soldier to that of a civil servant.

4. Jaehyung of the Rose
As bassist, visual, and maknae of The Rose, Jaehyung is the latest member of the group to begin military duties on November 9, 2020. He is expected to be released in August 2022.
[201209] Jaehyeong Military Update �df39#재형 #이재형 #The Rose #LaRosePH #Jaehyeong #더로즈 pic.twitter.com/SEylEIwjtn
— The Rose Philippines �ddf5�dded (@PHTheRose_0803) December 9, 2020
5. INFINITY (Kim Myung Soo)
On February 22, 2021, Kim Myung Soo confirmed through his agency that he started his military service on the same day. After completing his five-week basic training, he served as an active soldier in the Marine Corps. He was part of the cast of “Meissa’s Song”, a military musical. It will be released in August 2022.
6. PENTAGON Hui
The group leader began his mandatory military trip on Feb. 18, 2021. To receive his basic military training, he joined the Nonsan Army Recruit Training Center in South Chungcheong Province. He is expected to complete his service by November 2022.
7. EXO’s Chanyeol
Chanyeol began his four-week military training on March 29, 2021. He was assigned to a unit to serve as an active duty soldier. He joined the cast of the military musical “Meissa’s Song”, in which he played the main role. He will be released at the end of September 2022.
8. DAY6’s Sungjin
News of Sungjin’s military enlistment was unexpectedly dropped. On March 8, 2021, he hosted a V LIVE broadcast to share the news with his fans and show off his cut buzz. He is supposed to return in early September 2022.
9. Teen Top Cap
On May 10, CAP enlisted in the military while keeping the location and time private. He is the third member of Teen Top to enlist, with his release date being early November 2022.
10. SHINee’s Taemin
The youngest member of SHINee joined the military last year on May 31 and officially served in the military band after his basic training. However, Taemin experienced severe symptoms of anxiety and depression which forced his January 14, 2022 transfer to the civil service to continue his military duties. His release is scheduled for November 2022.
Which K-pop idol return are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below!
Esme L. is a Moroccan Hallyu dreamer, writer and enthusiast.
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