SEVENTEEN is set for significant changes as most of its 13 members are either currently serving or preparing to enlist in the South Korean military for mandatory service. However, the group does not intend to pause its musical journey. In a profile published by The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday, May 28, members of the K-pop group revealed their plans for the coming years as Jeonghan, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino fulfill their civic duties. Plans include releasing solo music and reuniting stronger post-service. Joshua, a U.S. citizen; The 8 and Jun, who are Chinese citizens; and S.Coups, exempt due to an ACL injury, are not required to serve.
“This is something that has been inevitable for us all along,” Hoshi told the publication regarding enlisting. “We have been prepared. We have a lot of projects that we have discussed with [Hybe] very thoroughly up until now.”
On Monday, May 26, SEVENTEEN released the new album “Happy Burstday,” featuring a solo song by each member and three full-group tracks. This strategic move allows each member to explore individual musical opportunities, similar to BTS’s strategy during their enlistments.
“Up until now, we’ve mostly focused on our group promotions,” Hoshi said. “We would like to show more of our individualities, so that when we reunite, we’ll be able to showcase ourselves as a better SEVENTEEN.”
While nine members serve, group leader S.Coups and the remaining three plan to “stick together and make something great to showcase to the fans.”
“We understand that the fans are very sad that some of us are going to be away,” added Woozi. “We should consider this as a long preparation phase for the next album that’s going to be even better and greater.”
According to THR, the nine eligible members must enlist before turning 30. Jeonghan and Wonwoo, aged 29 and 28, are already serving.
Like BTS, SEVENTEEN’s military transition comes at the peak of their popularity. Billboard announced on Wednesday that the group is the top K-pop act and No. 3 overall on the midyear Boxscore charts, grossing $120.9 million and selling 842,000 tickets on tour in 2025.
The interview follows a three-year streak of six top 10 albums on the Billboard 200. Despite upcoming challenges, S.Coups told THR, “We are ready to reinvent ourselves. We are standing at a new starting line, preparing for a new path ahead and ready to blaze a new trail.”