By Guest 
In a bittersweet announcement that has sent shockwaves through the K-pop world, SEVENTEEN’s charismatic member Jeon Wonwoo is set to trade his microphone for a military uniform, beginning his mandatory South Korean military service on April 3, 2025.
The news, shared by PLEDIS Entertainment on Weverse and amplified across X by @kchartsmaster, has left fans—known as CARATs—reeling with a mix of pride, sadness, and anticipation for what lies ahead.
SEVENTEEN’s Wonwoo Enlists for Military Service
Wonwoo, celebrated for his deep voice, striking visuals, and magnetic stage presence, will step away from SEVENTEEN’s whirlwind of global engagements, including the upcoming Tecate Pa’l Norte 2025 festival in Mexico and a fan meeting in Japan, both scheduled for April.
However, PLEDIS Entertainment assured fans that the 28-year-old idol will still shine in pre-recorded content and participate in the highly anticipated “SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND” concert on March 20-21 in Incheon, South Korea—offering a final glimpse of Wonwoo before his enlistment.
The announcement, marked by an official notice and a striking image of Wonwoo in a sleek black tank top, has sparked a global outpouring of emotion on social media.
CARATs have flooded X with heartfelt messages, crying emojis, and creative coping strategies, from playing a game Wonwoo helped develop (set to release just after his enlistment) to planning tribute projects in his honor. “Announcing Wonwoo’s enlistment on a random Wednesday is diabolical—how am I supposed to function now?” tweeted @vernonlovebot, capturing the raw sentiment of fans worldwide.
South Korea’s mandatory military service, requiring all able-bodied men to serve 18-21 months by age 30, is a rite of passage that has previously seen SEVENTEEN members like Jeonghan enlist in 2024, while S.Coups was exempted due to injury.
Wonwoo’s departure marks another chapter in the group’s phased approach to balancing national duty with their meteoric rise as a 13-member powerhouse, recently recognized for their record-breaking 2023 album FML, the biggest-selling global album of that year.
PLEDIS Entertainment emphasized there will be no official event for Wonwoo’s enlistment, urging fans to refrain from visiting the military site and instead send their support through Weverse. “We ask for your continued love and support for the artist until his safe and healthy return,” the agency stated, promising to support Wonwoo throughout his service.
As CARATs brace for Wonwoo’s absence, the timing of the announcement—falling just before another SEVENTEEN member’s birthday—has added an extra layer of poignancy to the news. Fans are already brainstorming ways to honor Wonwoo’s legacy, from streaming his pre-recorded content to flooding social media with #WeLoveYouWonwoo.
But with Wonwoo’s return not expected until late 2026 or early 2027, one question looms large: How will SEVENTEEN—and their devoted fanbase—navigate this emotional hiatus?
Stay tuned as we follow this unfolding story, bringing you the latest updates on SEVENTEEN’s journey and Wonwoo’s service. Will CARATs’ love keep the group’s spirit alive during this challenging time? Click to find out more!