K-pop idols before and after military: In South Korea, it is mandatory for every physically fit man, between the ages of 18 and 35, to serve in the military and this rule even applies to K-pop idols. By rule, able-bodied Korean men are required to enlist in the military for 18 to 21 months, with even the biggest K-pop idols making no exceptions.
K-pop idols are known for their looks and being public figures, they keep on experimenting with their hairstyle to stay on trend. What captures our attention is the rule of shaving their head while serving in the military and even K-pop idols are not exempted.
So, here are K-pop idols before and after military pictures which will make you gaze twice because of their radical transformation.
K-pop idols before and after military with pictures
From BTS’ Jin to ASTRO’s MJ, here are the looks of your favorite K-pop before and after joining the military service.
1. BTS’ Jin
Ahead of this enlistment in the military service, BTS member Jin aka Kim Seok Jin opted for a buzz cut, featuring extremely short hair, as per the guidelines set by the South Korean government.
Before joining the military service, Jin, the eldest member of BTS, shared his new look on the South Korean entertainment app ‘Weverse’. He looked dashing in a buzz-cut hairstyle and a black plain t-shirt.
Jin became the first BTS member to join mandatory military service. The ‘Awake’ singer joined the military service in December 2022 and because of his outstanding performance, he was recently given a promotion to corporal and will be discharged from the national service on June 12, 2024.
2. SHINee’s Minho
South Korean rapper and actor looked dapper in his military uniform. He completed his military service on November 15, 2020. He was recognized as an “exemplary marine soldier” by the Republic of Korea Marine Corps for giving up on his granted vacation and deciding to fulfill his duty until the very last day.
“The Fabulous” actor looked super handsome in his sharp looks and classy uniform. His picture from the training days shows Minho’s solid and well-built physique, with broad shoulders and athletic build.
3. TVQX’s Yunho
Yunho was discharged from the military in April 2017 and was chosen as a special-class soldier and became an honorary citizen of Yangju because of his exemplary service. Yunho looks sophisticated in his uniform. During one of the interviews, he also said he finds himself confident in his military uniform.
Yunho entered as a young man with a baby face and became confident, rugged, and even more handsome after his service in the military. After his training in the military, the singer gets a well-proportioned physique.
4. Exo’s Suho
Suho is the third member of the EXO to join the military service. The leader of the South Korean-Chinese boy group Exo quietly enlisted on May 14 at the Nonsan Army Training Center in South Chungcheong Province. He looked well-groomed and neat in his military looks.
The “Love Shot” singer’s photo was released online in which he is seen warmly smiling as he poses in a training uniform and buzz-cut hairstyle. He looks more confident and mature.
5. ASTRO’s MJ
Kim Myung-jun, known professionally as MJ, enlisted as a part of the military band on May 9, 2022, and was discharged on November 8, 2023, after serving 1 year and 7 months in the mandatory national service. The singer’s picture from his training days was released online in which he looks more mature and evolved.
The “Get Set Yo” singer’s personality reflects a sense of sophistication and his posture exudes confidence and strength.
Which kpop idols are in the military 2023?
Here is a list of some of the K-pop idols who are currently serving in the military.
1. Choi TaeWoong: A member of BZ-Boys enlisted in the military service on March 24, 2022, and is expected to be discharged on December 23, 2023.
2. YongHoon: Leader of the boy band ONEWE, YongHoon joined the military service on July 12, 2022, and is expected to be discharged on January 11, 2024.
3. Kang YuChan: Current member of A.C.E and former member of UNB, Chan started his military training on August 16, 2022, and is expected to be discharged on February 15, 2024.
Also Read: List of Korean actors who finished Military Service
FAQs: K-pop idols before and after military
Below are the common questions related to K-pop idols before and after military.
1. How long do kpop idols stay in the military?
The rule for enlistment in military service in South Korea is the same for every man. All able-bodied South Korean men, including K-pop idols, are required to serve at least 18 months in the military service. The government gives no exception to K-pop stars.
2. Which kpop idols completed military service?
Several K-pop idols have completed their military service. Seungwoo, Baekhyun, Taemin, Young K, and Shownu are some of the K-pop idols who completed their national service in the first half of 2023.
3. Will Jung Kook go to military?
Three of the seven members of the BTS are currently enlisted in the mandatory South Korean military service. There have been rumours of remaining members of the group joining the national service as well. If reports are to be believed, Jung Kook, Jimin, V, and RM have begun the process of military enlistment.
4. Which BTS member is going to the military in 2023?
BTS is on a temporary break as Suga, Jin, and J-hope are currently serving their mandatory military service. As per the reports, the remaining four members are set to join the military service. Reportedly, V and RM will join the duty on December 11, closely followed by Jimin and Jungkook on December 12.
Final Words: K-pop idols before and after military
Looks play a vital role in celebrities’ lives. They need to keep changing their looks to cope up with the trend. However, because of the mandatory military service in South Korea, K-pop idols have to follow the guidelines formed by the government.
All able-bodied South Korean men, including K-pop idols, are supposed to keep their hair short and neat with a standing cut with a side part extending up to 3.15 inches long. For K-pop idols, it is a challenging part as looks are their important asset.
K-pop idols, who have enlisted in the military service, have shared pictures on social media platforms of their after looks and, not going to lie, they look more mature and confident. K-pop idols before and after military pictures have contented their fans. People have been praising the transformation of K-pop idols from a boy to a young man with a great physique.