Is Stray Kids Going to the Military?
The topic of K-pop idols and military service has been a contentious issue in the music industry for years. Fans of popular groups like BTS and EXO are no stranger to the debate surrounding whether or not their idols will fulfill their mandatory military duties. In this article, we’ll be discussing the Korean boy group Stray Kids and their potential plans for military service.
The Background
For those unfamiliar, Stray Kids is a South Korean boy group formed by JYP Entertainment in 2017. The group consists of nine members: Bang Chan, Woojin, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. Since their debut, they have gained a massive following worldwide, releasing hits like "District 9," "My Pace," and "Get Cool."
In South Korea, military service is mandatory for all able-bodied men. At 18 years old, young men are required to register for the military, and most serve for 18-21 months. This can be a challenging experience for many, but it’s a rite of passage for many young South Koreans.
Will Stray Kids Serve in the Military?
The answer to this question is YES, at least some members of Stray Kids will serve in the military. In Korea, male K-pop idols are no exception to the mandatory military service rule. Many K-pop groups, including BTS and EXO, have already fulfilled their military duties or are preparing to do so.
In November 2020, Stray Kids’ management agency, JYP Entertainment, announced that two members of the group will enlist in the military in 2024. The agency didn’t specify which members will serve, but it’s likely that the group will rotate their members, with some serving while others continue their music activities.
Who Will Serve?
So, which Stray Kids members will be heading to the military? Lee Know and Han are strong candidates, as they were both born in 2001 and will turn 22 in 2024, which is the typical age for Korean men to serve. Woojin, who left the group in 2019, is also eligible for military service.
Timeline of Stray Kids’ Military Service
Here’s a possible timeline of when Stray Kids members might enlist:
| Member | Born | Age in 2024 | Military Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lee Know | 2001 | 23 | Eligible |
| Han | 2002 | 22 | Eligible |
| Woojin | 1997 | 27 | Eligible |
| Bang Chan | 1997 | 27 | Not Eligible |
| Changbin | 1999 | 25 | Not Eligible |
| Hyunjin | 2000 | 24 | Not Eligible |
| Felix | 2000 | 24 | Not Eligible |
| Seungmin | 2000 | 24 | Not Eligible |
| I.N | 2001 | 23 | Eligible |
Please note that this is a speculative timeline, and JYP Entertainment hasn’t officially confirmed which members will serve.
Implications for Stray Kids’ Music Activities
While it’s a significant challenge for any K-pop group to navigate the military service landscape, Stray Kids will likely find ways to continue producing music and performing without disruption. Here are some possible scenarios:
• Temporary hiatus: When members enlist, the group may go on a temporary hiatus, allowing the remaining members to focus on individual activities, such as solo projects or collaborations with other artists.
• Temporary substitutions: JYP Entertainment could bring in temporary replacements or guests to perform as Stray Kids, maintaining the group’s momentum while enlisted members serve.
• Focus on solo projects: Members could focus on their solo music careers or acting pursuits during their time in the military, ensuring a continuous stream of music content.
Conclusion
Stray Kids will eventually fulfill their mandatory military service obligations, just like many other Korean men. While this news may be concerning for fans, it’s a crucial aspect of life in South Korea. We can expect the group to continue thriving, even if their military service obligations necessitate a temporary hiatus. The fans will undoubtedly be supporting their idols every step of the way, just as they have throughout the group’s journey.
