EXO, one of South Korea’s most iconic K-pop boy bands, has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with their electrifying performances and soul-stirring music.
While their talent and charisma continue to shine, it’s common for K-pop idols to take a hiatus from their entertainment careers to serve their mandatory military service. In this article, we’ll delve into which EXO members are in the Military, and when you can expect them to return.
EXO 101 – Who Are They?
EXO, the acronym for “EXOPLANET,” is a South Korean-Chinese boy band formed by SM Entertainment, one of the most prominent entertainment companies in South Korea.
Debuting in 2012, EXO quickly rose to international fame, becoming a global phenomenon and setting the standard for K-pop groups in terms of both music and performance. The group initially debuted with 12 members, although they have seen some lineup changes over the years.
EXO’s unique concept revolves around the idea of EXOPLANET, portraying the Korean-Chinese members as extraterrestrial beings with superpowers. Each member was assigned a power, such as telekinesis, time control, or teleportation, adding a captivating and imaginative element to their music videos and live performances.
EXO boasted nine active members who continued to make music and perform together. These EXO members are:
Xiumin (Real name: Kim Min-seok): Known for his powerful vocals and dance skills, Xiumin is the eldest member of the group.
D.O (Real name: Do Kyung-soo): Recognized not only for his singing but also for his acting prowess, D.O has garnered a significant fan following.
Suho (Real name: Kim Jun-myeon): As the leader of EXO, Suho has provided guidance and stability to the group throughout their journey.
Chen (Real name: Kim Jong-dae): Chen’s exceptional vocal range and tone have earned him a reputation as one of the best vocalists in the industry.
Chanyeol (Real name: Park Chan-yeol): Chanyeol is a rapper, singer, and songwriter, and he’s also known for his tall stature and charisma.
Baekhyun (Real name: Byun Baek-hyun): Baekhyun, with his powerful vocals, has enjoyed success not only as a member of EXO but also as a solo artist.
Kai (Real name: Kim Jong-in): Kai is known for his mesmerizing dance skills and stage presence, which have earned him the title of “Dancing King.”
Sehun (Real name: Oh Se-hun): As the youngest member of EXO, Sehun is a talented dancer and rapper, contributing to the group’s dynamic performances.
These EXO members have made a profound impact on the K-pop industry and continue to enchant fans with their captivating music, electrifying choreography, and compelling stage presence.
Their global fanbase, known as EXO-Ls, supports them passionately and eagerly anticipates their return from military enlistment, eager to see what the future holds for EXO. While the group has undergone changes over the years, its commitment to creating exceptional music and unforgettable performances remains unwavering.
Over the years, EXO has seen several changes in its lineup, with some former members departing from the group for various reasons. Here are the former members of EXO:
Kris (Real name: Wu Yifan): Kris was one of the original members of EXO, serving as the group’s leader in its subunit EXO-M, which focused on promoting in China. He left the group in May 2014, citing contract disputes and issues related to the unfair treatment of Chinese members.
Luhan (Real name: Lu Han): Luhan, like Kris, was a member of EXO-M. He departed from the group in October 2014 for similar reasons, including concerns about health and contract terms.
Tao (Real name: Huang Zitao): Tao, also a member of EXO-M, left the group in August 2015. He cited health issues and contract disputes as the primary reasons for his departure.
These former EXO members have pursued solo careers in various fields, including music, acting, and modeling, following their departures from EXO. They have maintained dedicated fan bases and continue to create content for their followers.
It’s essential to note that the departures of former EXO members such as Kris, Luhan, and Tao were marked by legal disputes with SM Entertainment, which led to lengthy court battles.
These events had a significant impact on the K-pop industry and brought attention to issues related to contracts, management, and the well-being of idols.
EXO Members’ Military Service Information (In Order of Enlistment)
Xiumin (Kim Min-seok)
Enlistment Date: Xiumin, the eldest member of EXO, began his mandatory military enlistment on May 7, 2019.
Service Type: He chose to serve as an active-duty soldier, contributing to his country’s defense.
Military Discharge Date: Fans eagerly awaited his return, which was on December 6, 2020. With his military discharge, he marked the first step toward the group’s complete reunion.
D.O (Do Kyung-soo)
Enlistment Date: D.O, known for his incredible vocal talents and acting abilities, commenced his service on July 1, 2019.
Service Type: Similar to Xiumin, D.O also opted for active-duty service, dedicating his time to his country’s defense.
Discharge Date: His return was on January 25, 2021, after serving his mandatory service period. Fans eagerly anticipated his comeback in both music and the entertainment industry.
Suho (Kim Jun-myeon)
Enlistment Date: Suho, the leader of EXO, joined the military on May 14, 2020, taking a temporary break from his responsibilities as the group’s leader.
Service Type: As a responsible citizen, Suho chose the path of active-duty military service, which is known for its rigorous training and responsibilities.
Discharge Date: He returned on February 13, 2021. Suho’s leadership and stage presence were missed during his absence, and his comeback was highly anticipated.
EXO Chen (Kim Jong-dae)
Enlistment Date: EXO Chen, EXO’s main vocalist, began his service on October 26, 2020, marking a significant moment for the group and its fans.
Service Type: Similar to his fellow members, EXO Chen served as an active-duty soldier, where he balanced his mandatory military service with his incredible vocal talents.
Discharge Date: Fans had to wait until July 21, 2022, to see Chen return to the music scene, eager to experience his soulful voice once more.
Chanyeol (Park Chan-yeol)
Enlistment Date: Chanyeol is known for his versatility as a rapper, singer, and songwriter. Chanyeol enlisted on March 29, 2021, following in the footsteps of his fellow members.
Service Type: Just like others, Chanyeol enlisted as an active-duty soldier, contributing to his country’s defense and honoring his mandatory military obligations.
Discharge Date: He returned on September 28, 2022, which would mark a significant moment in his career and the group’s future activities.
Baekhyun (Byun Baek-hyun)
Enlistment Date: Baekhyun is known for his powerful vocals and solo endeavors. Baekhyun enlisted into the military on May 6, 2021, leaving fans eager for his return.
Service Type: Like his bandmates, Baekhyun enlisted into active-duty service, temporarily stepping away from his successful solo career.
Discharge Date: Fans had to be patient until February 5, 2023, to witness Baekhyun’s comeback, eager to hear his mesmerizing voice once again.
Kai (Kim Jong-in)
Enlistment Date: Kai, known for his mesmerizing dance skills and charisma, joined the military on May 18, 2021.
Service Type: He, too, served as an active-duty soldier, a choice made by many K-pop idols to fulfill their military obligations.
Discharge Date: Kai returned on February 16, 2023.
Sehun (Oh Se-hun)
Enlistment Date: Sehun, the maknae (youngest member) of EXO, started his service on May 7, 2022, following the footsteps of his older members.
Service Type: As expected, Sehun also served as an active-duty soldier, embracing the responsibilities that come with it.
Expected Discharge Date: Fans would need to wait until February 6, 2024, to welcome Sehun back to the stage, eager to see his growth as an artist and performer.
Each member’s enlistment marked a temporary separation from EXO and their fans, but it also served as a testament to their dedication and commitment to fulfilling their military obligations.
EXO-Ls across the globe eagerly await their return, excited to see how their experiences will shape their future music and performances.
Conclusion
The service of EXO members has been a significant milestone not only for the individual members but also for their dedicated fanbase, known as EXO-Ls.
As we’ve explored in this article, several members, each celebrated for their unique talents, have embarked on their mandatory military service journeys, contributing to their country’s defense and fulfilling their civic duty.
The departure of these members has temporarily altered the dynamics of the group, with fans eagerly awaiting their return. It has also led to increased curiosity and anticipation regarding the future of EXO as a whole.
Will they continue to enchant us with their harmonious melodies and electrifying performances? The answer remains a question for the future, as we await their reunification on the stage.
The dedication and talents of Xiumin, D.O, Suho, Chen, Chanyeol, Baekhyun, Kai, and Sehun continue to shine in the hearts of fans worldwide. The bond between EXO and their fans remains unwavering, and we can only imagine the spectacular performances and music they will create when the group is once again complete.
FAQs
What is EXO Chen’s military discharge date?
Chen, EXO’s main vocalist, started his military service on October 26, 2020. His discharge date was July 21, 2022.
Which EXO members enlisted in the military in 2021?
In 2021, two EXO members enlisted in the military. They are Baekhyun, who began his service on May 6, 2021, and Kai, who enlisted on May 18, 2021.
When will Kai and Sehun enlist?
Kai, known for his captivating dance skills, started his military service on May 18, 2021. His discharge date was February 16, 2023.
As for Sehun, the youngest member of EXO, he enlisted on May 7, 2022, and his estimated discharge date is February 6, 2024.