IST Entertainment announces ATBO member Seunghwan's military enlistment

ATBO member Jeong Seunghwan has enlisted for his mandatory military enlistment.

On October 20, IST Entertainment announced that Seunghwan had enlisted for the mandatory military service. In an official statement, the agency wrote, "Jeong Seunghwan was unable to inform the fans in advance, as it was his wish to quietly complete his military duty. We ask for the generous understanding of all the fans."

Seunghwan also left a handwritten letter to fans explaining his sudden enlistment and wrote, "To be honest, it was a decision I made recently, so it still doesn't feel real. However, after much deliberation and thought, I came to the conclusion that perhaps the choice to quickly finish my military service—a big task in life—and return to promote in front of you all is the way for us to see each other more frequently and for a longer time. That is why I took a leap of faith and decided to enlist."

Below is the full statement from IST Entertainment and Seunghwan's handwritten letter:

"Hello, this is IST Entertainment.

First, we sincerely thank all the fans who support ATBO. ATBO member Jeong Seunghwan today (October 20) entered the Nonsan Army Training Center to fulfill his mandatory military service.

Jeong Seunghwan was unable to inform the fans in advance, as it was his wish to quietly complete his military duty. We ask for the generous understanding of all the fans.

Jeong Seunghwan will deeply cherish the love of his fans, and after diligently completing his service, he plans to return with a more mature presence. We ask for your continued support and warm encouragement so that Jeong Seunghwan can complete his military life in good health."

"Hello, this is Jeong Seunghwan.

First of all, I believe many of you must have been surprised by the sudden news of my enlistment. I am truly sorry for having to deliver this news so abruptly to those who have been waiting for my activities.

To be honest, it was a decision I made recently, so it still doesn't feel real. However, after much deliberation and thought, I came to the conclusion that perhaps the choice to quickly finish my military service—a big task in life—and return to promote in front of you all is the way for us to see each other more frequently and for a longer time. That is why I took a leap of faith and decided to enlist.

Although I will be serving as a soldier for now, as I’ve always said, I have absolutely no intention of quitting art. I will definitely come back. I don't know what form or appearance I will return in, but I am dreaming of the moment I can stand in front of you all again. This, I sincerely promise. Even as I write this before my enlistment, I think of the fans who have cheered me on and loved me. I reflect and realize once again how precious and grateful the time I've spent has been. It may feel like a very long time, but if you continue to support me and look forward to my return and growth, I will repay you with a great presence after completing my military service.

I hope you all stay healthy and happy. I will serve well and return safely.

Thank you.

October 19, 2025 Jeong Seunghwan"

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