The K-pop Star Will Fulfill Mandatory Service, Serving as a Social Service Agent

Courtesy of SM Entertainment

SEOUL, South Korea — Kim Jong-in, better known by his stage name Kai, a member of the popular K-pop boy group EXO, will begin his mandatory military service next week, bringing the group's comeback plans to a halt, according to his agency, SM Entertainment.

The 29-year-old will start with a five-week basic training program at an Army boot camp from next Thursday, before serving as a social service agent, the agency announced on its K-pop fan community platform, Kwangya Club.

All able-bodied men in South Korea are required to serve in the military for about two years.

Kai had been preparing for EXO's forthcoming album before his enlistment was suddenly expedited due to a recent change in the Military Manpower Administration's rules, the agency explained.

SM Entertainment said that there will be no separate ceremony to mark his enlistment, respecting Kai's desire to make it a low-key event. The exact time and location of his enlistment have also not been disclosed.

Kai made his debut in 2012 as the main dancer of the nine-piece group and has since become a fan favorite due to his dance skills and solid performances. He is also the main dancer of SuperM, a project group managed by the same agency, and launched his solo career with his first EP, "Kai," in 2020.

During his recent Instagram live broadcast on Wednesday afternoon, Kai became emotional while expressing disappointment over the timing of his enlistment.

"I prepared a lot (for the group's comeback), but it's a shame," he said.

Kai's absence is expected to affect EXO's future promotions, including concerts and albums, as well as their fans, known as EXO-Ls.

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BlueYIM, yimyoungseo1010@naver.com