GOT7 Yugyeom Military Enlistment: Everything Fans Need to Know

GOT7’s youngest member, Yugyeom, has announced the date of his mandatory military enlistment. He will officially join the Republic of Korea Army on September 29, 2025.

His assignment has already been confirmed. He will serve in the Army Military Band, a unit that allows trained artists like him to continue contributing through music.

For many fans, this moment feels both expected and sudden. Every Korean idol eventually steps away for service, but when it becomes official, the news always feels heavy. Yugyeom has been with fans for more than a decade, and now he begins a chapter that will keep him away for almost two years.

The service duration will last around 18 to 21 months, which is the regular period. If no changes happen, his discharge is expected in mid-2027. Until then, his schedule and activities will pause. This timeline also lines up with other GOT7 members who are completing or beginning their service duties.

His enlistment was confirmed through a letter written directly to fans. In that note, Yugyeom shared his gratitude for the long years spent together and promised to return healthy and safe.

He also left words saying that whenever fans miss him, they can think of the moon, listen to his music, and remember the time they shared. It showed his thoughtful personality and his wish to stay connected in some way during this long pause.

Why the Enlistment Matters More Than Expected

This enlistment surprised some fans because the timeline seemed earlier than expected. Many thought Yugyeom would serve around 2026, like some of his other ’97-line friends from K-pop.

But hints were already there. Back in January 2025, during an interview with Ginza Magazine, Yugyeom mentioned he was set on enlisting soon. He even explained he wanted to release more music before leaving, which now makes sense in hindsight.

The decision also lines up strategically with fellow group member Youngjae, who is also likely enlisting in late 2025. If things go as planned, both might return around the same time in 2027. That means fans could see another full GOT7 reunion in the future without long separate gaps between members, which is something fans appreciate after years of waiting.

Before entering this new stage, Yugyeom worked actively to leave strong memories. In June 2025, he released Interlunar, his second full-length album. The album title symbolized the temporary “invisible” phase of the moon, describing the absence fans will feel during his time away. Yet the theme carried hope too, showing that even in darkness, the light returns.

On a group level, GOT7 reunited earlier in January 2025 for Winter Heptagon. This was the group’s first comeback after three years, timed perfectly so the members could appear together before another enlistment round began.

Looking at the group’s overall status, two members—Jay B and Jinyoung—already completed their service in 2024. Now Yugyeom and Youngjae follow in 2025.

The non-Korean members Jackson, Mark, and BamBam are exempt due to their foreign nationalities. By 2027, all Korean members should be free of military schedules, creating the possibility of new music and tours as a complete seven-member team again.

What Will Happen While He is Away?

Fans wonder how much communication will be possible. Military rules allow letters and sometimes occasional updates during service, but these are limited and strictly managed. It’s very likely that official channels or fan clubs will share guidelines for sending messages. Outside of that, fans will have to rely on old music, live clips, and albums to feel connected.

By mid-2027, once his discharge is confirmed, Yugyeom is expected to regain full freedom with his career. The timing is interesting because it matches the likely return of Youngjae, meaning it could kickstart another chapter for GOT7 right away. Many fans are already predicting a comeback in late 2027, though nothing is officially confirmed.

Another layer of interest is the broader context of the ’97-line idols. Yugyeom joins friends like BTS’s Jungkook and NCT’s Jaehyun, who already enlisted and finished or are serving in similar timelines.

The friend group has been popular among fans for years, and their enlistments create a shared sense of waiting. Fans across groups often notice when these timelines overlap, adding to the anticipation of post-army reunions and solo activities.

Final Thoughts

Yugyeom’s enlistment is not just another item on the K-pop schedule. It is a personal moment for both him and the fans who supported him from debut until now. Every enlistment brings mixed emotions—pride, concern, and hope. Fans often describe it as a pause rather than an end. The music remains, the memories live on, and the return after service usually feels more rewarding.

By releasing music before enlistment and leaving heartfelt words, Yugyeom set a tone of warmth and reassurance. He promised to come back stronger and better. For Ahgases, this is not a goodbye, only a break. And when 2027 arrives, the anticipation for his return, along with potential GOT7 group activities, will likely be stronger than ever.

The journey ahead will test patience, but history shows fans stay loyal during these times. After all, GOT7 has built a bond deeper than just music releases. It is about trust and connection, and that will carry both Yugyeom and his fans through the months of waiting.

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