BTOB members also have to serve as enlistment is mandatory in South Korea. Fans will have to say goodbye to their favorite idols for a period of no less than 1 year and 6 months as they serve [as of this writing].
Military service is mandatory in South Korea, meaning all able Korean men must serve their country, this law extends to Kpop idols as well. Every able Korean man must serve their country before they become 28 years old [international age].
Today, we’re taking a look at the full BTOB members’ military enlistment and discharge dates.
Note: this article is now archived, all of the BTOB members have wrapped up their military service.
Summary
BTOB members currently serving the military: no one
BTOB members who have been discharged: Eunkwang, Changsub, Lee Minhyuk, Sungjae, Hyunsik
Eunkwang [discharged]
Eunkwang is the oldest member of his group and was the first to enlist in the military and the first to be discharged.
Eunkwang enlistment date: August 21, 2018
Eunkwang discharge date: April 7, 2020
Lee Minhyuk [discharged]
Lee Minhyuk enlistment date: February 7, 2019
Lee Minhyuk discharge date: September 12, 2020
Changsub [discharged]
Changsub enlistment date: January 14, 2019
Changsub discharge date: August 21, 2020
Im Hyunsik [discharged]
Im Hyunsik enlistment date: May 11, 2020
Im Hyunsik discharge date: November 14, 2021
Yook Sungjae [discharged]
Yook Sungjae enlistment date: May 11, 2020
Yook Sungjae discharge date: September 26, 2021
On October 1, Sungjae greeted fans by holding an Instagram live, he revealed he has been discharged from the military this past September without returning. Sungjae explained he went on vacation on September 26 and hasn’t returned to base.
Peniel
Peniel has US citizenship, therefore, he does not have to serve in the military. He is the only member of his group who didn’t serve.