Seventeen’s Hoshi hints at military enlistment at Bulacan concert

Hoshi / Photo from ho5hi_kwon/Instagram

For avid K-pop fans, some moments are as bittersweet as bidding temporary farewell to their idols as they embark on South Korea’s mandatory military service. 

This inevitable phase in every male idol’s life requires them to step away from the spotlight for 18 to 21 months, leaving fans to navigate the uncertainty of their hiatus as this often marks a significant yet long pause in an idol’s career.

During Seventeen’s recent concert at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bulacan, member Hoshi hinted at his upcoming enlistment, leaving CARATs (Seventeen’s fandom) both emotional and reflective. He was wearing camouflage-designed pants while performing a military salute.

At 28 years old, Hoshi is nearing the legal age limit for enlistment, making his announcement resonate deeply with fans.

Social media quickly became a hub of support and sadness, as CARATs prepared themselves for this inevitable chapter.

Hoshi is not the only K-pop idol facing enlistment. NCT’s Doyoung and solo artist Kang Daniel are also expected to begin their military service soon.

Fans of Seventeen, however, are no strangers to this transition. Member Jeonghan is currently serving in the military, while the group’s leader, S.Coups, has been exempted due to an ACL injury and subsequent surgery.

Meanwhile, members Jun and The8 are likely to be exempt from enlistment, as they hold Chinese citizenship. Similarly, Joshua’s US citizenship exempts him from the requirement.

For now, Hoshi’s performances remain a cherished gift, with fans savoring every moment before his temporary departure. 

In 2024, it was reported that the idol had made headlines for a major real estate purchase which was a luxurious apartment in Seoul’s upscale Gangnam district.

Hoshi paid $3.7 million (5.086 billion won) in cash for his new property in the Brighten N40 complex, located in the Nonhyeon neighborhood, a part of Gangnam known for its exclusivity and luxury.