There is a particular kind of heartbreak reserved for fans of Korean boy bands. You spend years cheering for your favourite members, memorising their inside jokes, celebrating every comeback, and then, suddenly, the military enlistment notice arrives to remind you that joy is temporary and South Korea has a mandatory service system. SEVENTEEN fans are now staring down that familiar emotional cliff.
On July 27, PLEDIS Entertainment announced that DK and Vernon will soon begin their military service, meaning two more members of the group will temporarily step away from SEVENTEEN activities. Vernon will begin his alternative service on August 20, while DK is scheduled to enlist for active duty in the Army on September 8. CARATs, naturally, are not taking the news particularly well. “This made my heart sink,” one fan wrote on social media. “I can’t process this, going to miss you so much,” another said. And, in perhaps the most concise summary of the collective mood: “so not ready”.
The Enlistment Details
PLEDIS Entertainment confirmed the enlistment news in a statement shared on Weverse on July 27. According to the agency, Vernon will begin his military service on August 20 and will take part in all official SEVENTEEN activities scheduled before his service begins. DK is scheduled to enlist for active duty in the Army on September 8. He will also participate in official activities before his enlistment. The agency asked fans not to visit the enlistment ceremony in person. It noted that numerous enlistees and their families will be present at DK’s ceremony and also requested that fans refrain from visiting the location of Vernon’s alternative service.
Once their military service begins, neither Vernon nor DK will be able to participate in SEVENTEEN activities. PLEDIS, however, said the two members will continue connecting with CARATs through a variety of content prepared in advance. In other words: fans may have content. They may have messages. They may have pre-recorded videos waiting in the wings. But they will still be missing Vernon and DK. And that is the strange sadness of loving a Korean boy band. Just when you’ve emotionally prepared yourself for a comeback, a concert, a new variety show appearance or another round of chaotic group content, military service arrives with a calendar date and takes two members away.
Who Are DK and Vernon?
DK, born Lee Seok-min, is the main vocalist of SEVENTEEN, known for his powerful voice and charismatic stage presence. He has been a key contributor to the group’s discography, participating in vocal arrangements and live performances that have won over millions of fans worldwide. Vernon, born Hansol Vernon Chwe, is a rapper and vocalist who also writes lyrics and composes music. He is recognized for his unique flow, multilingual abilities, and creative input in the group’s hip-hop unit. Both members have been part of SEVENTEEN since their debut in 2015 under PLEDIS Entertainment, a subsidiary of HYBE Corporation.
SEVENTEEN debuted with the EP “17 Carat” and quickly rose to prominence with their self-produced music and synchronized choreography. They are known for their large lineup of 13 members—hence the name SEVENTEEN, which symbolizes 13 members plus 3 units plus 1 group. The group is divided into the hip-hop, vocal, and performance units, allowing each member to shine in their respective strengths. Over the years, SEVENTEEN has released numerous hit albums such as “Love & Letter,” “Teen, Age,” “An Ode,” and “Attacca,” and have built a massive international fanbase called CARATs.
Military Service in South Korea: A Mandatory Rite of Passage
South Korea’s mandatory military service requires all able-bodied men to serve for approximately 18 to 21 months, depending on the branch. This law applies to K-pop idols as well, who often have to pause their careers at the height of their popularity. The enlistment of idols has become a recurring cycle in the industry, with groups like BTS, EXO, SHINee, and BIGBANG all experiencing temporary member absences. For SEVENTEEN, this is not the first time—members like S.Coups, Jeonghan, Jisoo (Joshua), and others have already completed or are in the process of serving.
The impact on group activities can be significant. While some groups continue as a subunit or with remaining members, others go on hiatus until all members finish their service. SEVENTEEN has planned for this by staggering enlistments to keep the group active. However, the departure of key vocalists like DK and the creative force of Vernon will undoubtedly leave a gap. Fans often prepare by streaming old content, buying merchandise, and sending letters of support to the enlisted members. The government has also made provisions for public service workers and alternative service for those who qualify based on health or other reasons.
Fan Reactions: A Mix of Sadness and Support
The news of DK and Vernon’s enlistment has triggered an outpouring of emotions on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Weverse. CARATs have been sharing their favorite moments of the duo—from DK’s high notes in “Left & Right” to Vernon’s iconic “Oh My!” rap. Many fans have expressed gratitude for the pre-recorded content promised by PLEDIS, but the countdown to August 20 and September 8 feels like an unwelcome reminder. Some fans have organized virtual send-off events, while others plan to watch old concert videos repeatedly to cope.
“I’ve been a CARAT since debut, and this is the hardest goodbye so far,” commented a fan from the United States. “I know they have to go, but it doesn’t make it easier.” Another fan in South Korea noted that the enlistment process is often quiet and respectful, with fans encouraged not to gather at the training centers to avoid disruption. Instead, many choose to send gifts and letters through official channels.
What’s Next for SEVENTEEN?
With DK and Vernon entering service, SEVENTEEN will continue activities with the remaining members. The group has a busy schedule ahead, including potential comebacks and tours. PLEDIS has not announced any specific plans for the group’s future releases, but it is expected that SEVENTEEN will adapt as they have before. Pre-recorded content featuring DK and Vernon will be released during their service, keeping their presence alive in the fandom.
The temporary departures also highlight the resilience of the group. SEVENTEEN has built a reputation for being self-sufficient, with members involved in songwriting, choreography, and production. This independence will help sustain the group’s momentum even as members fulfill their national duty. Moreover, the bond between the members and CARATs remains strong, with fans vowing to wait faithfully for their return. As one fan expressed, “We’ll be here when they come back. Until then, we’ll hold onto the memories and support them from afar.”
Broader Context: K-Pop and Military Service
The enlistment of DK and Vernon adds another chapter to the ongoing story of K-pop idols navigating military service. In recent years, the South Korean government has discussed potential reform of the mandatory service system, including options for alternative service for cultural artists. However, no significant changes have been implemented. Groups like BTS were granted a special exemption for their contributions to Korean culture, but that policy was later revised, and many members are currently serving. For SEVENTEEN, the process is straightforward: each eligible member will serve their time and return to the group.
Fans often worry about the gap in their careers, but history shows that most idols successfully resume their activities after service. For instance, members of Super Junior and SHINee returned to thriving careers. The key is the support from fans and the agency’s strategic planning. PLEDIS has managed SEVENTEEN’s enlistments carefully, ensuring that the group can maintain a presence through sub-units or solo work.
As DK and Vernon prepare to embark on this new journey, CARATs are reminded of the sacrifices idols make for their country. The military service is not just a break from entertainment; it is a genuine duty that requires physical and emotional endurance. The fans’ role is to provide encouragement and wait patiently. The countdowns may be unwelcome, but they also mark the beginning of a period that will eventually lead to a reunion. Until then, SEVENTEEN’s music will continue to play, and the memories of DK and Vernon will live on in every performance.