Which K-pop Idols Are Returning From Military Service In 2026? SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan, NCT’s Jaehyun, And More
2026 is upon us, and with it a bunch of K-pop idols completing military service and returning to idol life.
The new year brings hope and happiness for fans, and this means looking forward to their favourite K-pop idols completing military service. Military enlistment is mandatory for South Korean singers, but that doesn’t stop fans from feeling sad. The length of military service can extend from 18 to 21 months, depending on the type and area of service furnished. Here are seven K-pop men all set to get discharged from the military in 2026 and the fans just can’t keep calm.
1. iKON’s Song – February 17, 2026
After enlisting on August 13, 2024, Song Yun-hyeong is all set to return to idol life next month. The 30-year-old singer released his debut solo album, ‘It’s Call!’, earlier in 2024.
2. JR (ex-NU’EST) – March 22, 2026
Kim Jong-hyeon, aka JR, is ready to be discharged in March after completing his service as an active soldier from September 23, 2024. His second EP, ‘Brilliant Seasons’, was released earlier the same year, and he has been steadily acting in web shows and films since NU’EST disbanded.
NU’EST W – PORTRAIT_JR#NUEST_W #JR #H #20171010_H pic.twitter.com/fdPTfn7QAS
— 뉴이스트(NU’EST) (@NUESTNEWS) September 20, 2017
3. NCT’s Jaehyun – May 2, 2026
Jaehyun enlisted in the military band on November 4, 2026. Apart from being an NCT 127 member, he took a step into acting with Dear M in 2022 and released solo music with J in 2024.
4. SEVENTEEN’s Jeonghan – June 25, 2026
After enlisting as a social worker in September 2024, Jeonghan has maintained a low profile, keeping CARATs (SEVENTEEN fans) entertained with pre-recorded content, including vlogs and seasonal playlists. He will return in June of this year.
5. Ren (ex-NU’EST) – June 20, 2026
Another former NU’EST member who enlisted in 2024, Ren, will be discharged later this year. When he isn’t an idol, he has been seen in musical theatre and movies, making him a true all-rounder. We can’t wait to see what he does after returning!
6. Kim Woo-jin – July 19, 2026
The former Stray Kids member started military service in the army band on January 20, 2025, and will return very soon. Having acted in a drama and on stage, Kim Woo-jin dropped a goodbye single, ‘5 AM’, before entering the army.
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Also Read: From SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi To NCT’s Doyoung, K-Pop Idols Expected To Enlist In Military In 2025!
7. THE BOYZ’s Sangyeon – September 16, 2026
Leader of THE BOYZ, Sangyeon, took a step to serve his country on March 17, 2025. Similar to several other K-pop idols, he was part of the military band. He has participated in songwriting for almost eight THE BOYZ songs, and fans hope to see more once he returns.
Apart from the above, Hwichan and Hangyeom of OMEGA X, Moon Jong-up of BAP, Hwang Yun-seong of DRIPPIN, and Choi In of E’LAST are some K-pop idols completing military service in 2026. Who are you most excited for?
Also Read: NCT Jungwoo’s First Military Pic Is Going Viral For THIS Unexpected Reason!
First Published: January 22, 2026 7:34 PM
