INFINITE Woohyun has started his mandatory military service on Thursday. Many of the group's fans, however, are not expecting it to be this soon.
Woohyun got enlisted at the Nonsan New Recruit Training Center in South Chungcheong Province where he will undergo basic training for several weeks. After this, the K-pop idol will be assigned as a public service worker. Woohyun was deemed unfit for active duty soldier service due to his shoulder injury back in 2014.
Fans were surprised by Woohyun's enlistment. The 28-year-old singer hinted about his imminent enlistment during his solo fan meeting on October 19. However, many Inspirit still thought it would be at least by the end of the year.
INFINITE's agency, Woollim Entertainment, confirmed Woohyun had started his military service. The label added that the date of the singer's enlistment was not revealed earlier as per Woohyun's wish. Apparently, the Hi! School: Love On actor kept his enlistment date under wraps as he wanted to take his temporary hiatus from the spotlight quietly.
Three other members of INFINITE-Sungyeol, Dongwoo, and Sungjong-also got enlisted this year. This leaves L and Sungjoong as the remaining active members of the group. The two are expected to start with their military service next year. L recently decided not to renew his contract with Woollim Entertainment but he remains a member of INFINITE.
The members have been performing for nine years prior to their military enlistment. INFINITE debuted in 2010 with a mini-album First Invasion. They released their most recent studio album, Top Seed, in 2018. It was also their first following the departure of Hoya from the K-pop group in August 2017.
Under South Korean law, all of its male citizens ages between 18 and 28 are required to serve in the military for at least 18 months, unless eligible for exemption. Military service exemption among K-pop idols is, currently, a hot topic in the country.
This is because at present, exemptions are only given to high-achieving athletes, artists, and classical musicians and dancers who have significantly contributed to the promotion of national prestige. Many netizens are clamoring for the exemption to be extended to global K-pop artists who also contributed to the nation's honor and economy.
Just recently, the Military Manpower Administration announced that they are, currently, working with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to make an overall review of the military service exception system. The government agency said they would like to make sure that the exemption program is "implemented fairly."
