Rookie K-pop idol Seo Jeong Woo from the fifth-generation project boy group AHOF has been making headlines for completing his mandatory military service before debuting. Born in 2001, the 24-year-old idol surprised fans with his early enlistment, an unusual move in an industry where military duty often interrupts an idol’s career peak. While most idols face enlistment years after debut, Jeongwoo is among the rare few who served beforehand, and is now ready to focus solely on his music career.
Let’s take a look at some K-pop idols who, like AHOF’s Seo Jeongwoo, completed their mandatory military service before making their debut.
Lee Changmin [2AM]
Before debuting as a member of 2AM in 2008, Lee Changmin had already fulfilled his military service. This early completion allowed him to fully dedicate himself to his music career, helping 2AM become one of the most popular vocal groups of their era.
Hweseung [N.Flying]
Hweseung from N.Flying is another idol known for serving before debut. He enlisted on July 1, 2014, and was discharged on March 31, 2016. When he joined N.Flying later, fans admired his emotional depth and powerful vocals.
KB [OnlyOneOf]
Shin Kyubin, better known as KB from OnlyOneOf, once revealed in an interview that he had completed his mandatory military service long before his group’s debut. With his service behind him, KB could fully focus on developing his artistry.
Seyoung [Cross Gene]
Before joining Cross Gene and replacing former member J.G., Seyoung had already completed his military duty. As the oldest member of the group, his maturity and skills often shone through, helping to strengthen the group’s chemistry and performances.
Jonggil & Howon [W24]
Both Jonggil and Howon of W24 had served in the military before debuting in 2018. This gave them a head start in focusing on their craft without future interruptions, contributing to W24’s tight teamwork and professionalism as a self-producing band.
Yechan & Sangyeop [Lucy]
Members Yechan and Sangyeop from the band LUCY also completed their military service before their official debut. This rare situation allowed the group to remain consistently active and continue building their musical identity without the worry of enlistment breaks.
Jun.H [UNVS]
UNVS’ Jun.H served in the 27th Division unit search battalion before debuting. Having been discharged in 2012, he joined B.O.i and was also a part of All-Star, bringing experience and leadership to UNVS.
One Junn [Boys Republic]
Before his debut with Boys Republic, One Junn completed his military service, an experience that actually inspired him to pursue a singing career. After debut he revealed that, he decided to become a singer while serving in the military.
Hyeongkon [A-Jax]
A-JAX’s Hyeongkon proudly introduced himself on ‘Making the Star – DSP Boys’ as “the fresh military-dol.” It was revealed that Hyeong Kon had already served out his military duty from October of 2008 to August of 2010.
Eddy [JJCC]
Eddy Oh from the now disbanded group JJCC drew significant attention and praise for completing his two years mandatory military service before debut. As a dual citizen, he was not obligated to enlist, yet he voluntarily fulfilled his duty, earning widespread respect.
Eos [N.CUS]
Eos, the former leader and vocalist of N.CUS, also completed his military service prior to the group’s debut in 2019. His maturity and sense of responsibility as a leader reflected his experience, contributing to the group’s professionalism and teamwork.
Did you know about these idols who enlisted before debut? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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