Korea’s New Military Laws Are Restricting Idols, This Is Who’s Most Affected By Them Right Now

In September 2017, changes to the South Korean Military Service Law had made a huge splash in the K-Pop community. The changes made did not allow idols to delay their conscription any longer once the Military Manpower Association notified them of their enlistment.

Recently, the law has undergone an even bigger change. On May 29, 2018, an amendment makes it impossible for any South Korean male who is 28 or older to delay their enlistment for any reason other than medical. Additionally, any male who are 25 to 27-years-old have to receive permission to travel. These males can only obtain 5 foreign travel permits. Each of these permits allows up to 6 months of being overseas, and the total length of the 5 permits cannot exceed 24 months.

So what do these new changes mean? Essentially, any male idol born in 1989, 1990, and 1991 will be enlisting very soon.

 

1. Xiumin (EXO)

Xiumin was born in 1990 so that means he’s already 28-years-old.

 

2. Suho (EXO)

Suho is one year younger than Xiumin so we’d lose another EXO member to the military law.

 

3. N (VIXX)

N was also born in 1990. His 28th birthday is coming up soon.

 

4. Leo (VIXX)

The same can also be said for Leo. His 28th birthday is in October.

 

5. Taeil (Block B)

Taeil will be turning 28 later this year.

 

6. Dongwoo (INFINITE)

Dongwoo will be turning 28 at the end of November.

 

7. Minhyuk (BTOB)

Minhyuk is only a few days younger than Eunkwang so the two will likely be enlisting together.

 

8. B-Bomb (Block B)

B-Bomb‘s 28th birthday will be at the end of the year.

 

9. Seungri (BIGBANG)

Seungri is another December birthday boy. It looks like he may be joining his fellow BIGBANG members in their military service soon.

 

10. Woohyun (INFINITE)

Woohyun just turned 27-years-old but it only a short year before he turns 28.

 

11. Changsub (BTOB)

Changsub turned 27 in February which means that we have less than a year before he turns 28.

 

12. Yoon Jisung (Wanna One)

Yoon Jisung is another idol who recently turned 27. At least we get another year to hear his wonderful voice!

 

13. CNU (B1A4)

CNU was born in June 1991, so we all have over a year before he turns 28!

 

14. Onew (SHINee)

Onew is already 28-years-old so we may be seeing him leave for his military service soon.

 

15.  Junhyung (HIGHLIGHT)

Since Doojoon recently enlisted, fans are steeling themselves for the other members to join him. Junhyung is already 28-years-old.

 

16. Kikwang (HIGHLIGHT)

Fans are also waiting for news on Kikwang who has already turned 28.

 

17. Yoseob (HIGHLIGHT)

And Yoseob also celebrated his 28th birthday.

 

18. Dongwoon (HIGHLIGHT)

Dongwoon just celebrated his 27th birthday so it’s only a matter of time before we say goodbye to the entirety of HIGHLIGHT for 2 long years!

 

19. Key (SHINee)

Key‘s birthday is in November and he hasn’t even turned 27 yet so we can look forward to keeping him around for a while longer!

 

20. Sungyeol (INFINITE)

Sungyeol will be turning 27 this August so we still have some time left with him!

 

21. Jinwoo (WINNER)

Don’t let Jinwoo‘s youthful looks fool you. He’s actually the oldest WINNER member and will be turning 27 this year.

 

22. Jinyoung (B1A4)

CNU isn’t the only B1A4 member that was born in 1991. Jinyoung will turn 27 this November.

 

23. Minho (SHINee)

Minho‘s 27th birthday will be this December so we all have more than a year left before he turns 28!

 

24. Lee Jong Suk

Fans knew it was only a matter of time before Lee Jong Suk started his service. And in August it was confirmed that he would be enlisting in February.