SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi Shares Honest Thoughts on His Upcoming Military Enlistment: “It’s Starting to Feel Real”

Hoshi Faces Military Enlistment: A Milestone for SEVENTEEN and Fans

Did you know that Hoshi, one of SEVENTEEN’s most energetic performers, is gearing up for his military enlistment this year? On the June 24th episode of SBS’s hit variety show ‘Whenever You Have Time,’ Hoshi openly shared his thoughts about joining the army soon. For K-pop idols, military service is a rite of passage, and Hoshi’s journey has sparked a wave of emotions among CARATs (SEVENTEEN’s fandom) and the wider K-pop community. Hoshi’s appearance on the show, alongside fellow member Mingyu, was filled with laughter, heartfelt moments, and a unique twist: the filming location was Cheorwon, home to the famous Baekgol military unit. This setting made the topic of enlistment feel even more real for Hoshi, and fans worldwide are buzzing about how he’s handling this major life change.

A Playful Yet Emotional Broadcast: Military Themes and Surprises

On ‘Whenever You Have Time,’ Hoshi’s confession about his upcoming enlistment became a central theme. The show’s hosts, including the legendary Yoo Jae-suk, didn’t miss a beat, offering both support and playful banter. When Hoshi saluted and announced his plans, Yoo Jae-suk joked about the perfect timing and location, making everyone laugh. The episode took an even more emotional turn when the shop owner they visited turned out to be running a military supply store. The owner presented Hoshi with a special name tag bearing his real name, Kwon Soon-young. Hoshi’s reaction—describing the moment as feeling like getting a vaccination—was both humorous and deeply relatable. This blend of humor and sincerity is what makes Korean variety shows so beloved, especially when they tackle important moments in idols’ lives.

How K-pop Idols Prepare for Enlistment: Cultural Insights

For international fans, it’s important to understand the cultural significance of military service in South Korea. All able-bodied men are required to serve, including celebrities. For K-pop idols, this means a temporary pause in their careers, often at the height of their popularity. Fans rally around their favorite stars, organizing support projects, sharing messages online, and sometimes even visiting enlistment sites. Hoshi’s enlistment is particularly poignant because SEVENTEEN is at the peak of their global influence. The group’s agency, Pledis Entertainment, and the members themselves have been preparing fans for this transition, promising to return stronger after fulfilling their duties. This shared experience strengthens the bond between idols and their fandoms, creating a unique sense of community and anticipation for their return.

Fan Reactions and Community Support: CARATs Show Their Love

The news of Hoshi’s enlistment has triggered an outpouring of support from CARATs around the world. Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Weverse are filled with heartfelt messages, fan art, and promises to wait for his return. Fans are sharing clips from ‘Whenever You Have Time,’ highlighting Hoshi’s genuine emotions and the lighthearted moments that made the episode unforgettable. Some fans are organizing online events and letter-writing campaigns to show their appreciation. The international K-pop community is known for its creativity and resilience, and Hoshi’s enlistment has become a rallying point for fans to express their loyalty and love. This phenomenon is a testament to the deep connections that K-pop idols forge with their global audiences.

SEVENTEEN’s Legacy and the Future Without Hoshi (For Now)

With Hoshi preparing to step away for military service, fans are reflecting on his contributions to SEVENTEEN’s success. As the group’s main dancer and one of its most charismatic performers, Hoshi has helped define SEVENTEEN’s energetic style and stage presence. His leadership in the group’s performance unit and his creative input have been crucial to their rise in the K-pop world. While Hoshi is away, SEVENTEEN will continue to promote with the remaining members, exploring new concepts and maintaining their connection with fans. The group’s agency has reassured fans that they have plans in place to keep SEVENTEEN active and visible during this period. This approach is common in K-pop, where groups often rotate activities to accommodate members’ military service, ensuring that the group’s legacy continues to grow.

The Broader Impact: Military Enlistment and K-pop’s Global Appeal

Hoshi’s enlistment is part of a larger trend as many third- and fourth-generation K-pop idols reach the age for military service. This wave of enlistments has sparked discussions about the future of K-pop and how agencies manage group activities during these absences. International fans are learning more about Korean culture and the importance of military service, deepening their appreciation for the sacrifices idols make. Korean entertainment media, including major outlets like Edaily, Sports Seoul, and Naver, have covered Hoshi’s story extensively, highlighting the emotional impact on both the artist and his fans. Blog posts on Naver and Tistory reflect a mix of pride, sadness, and anticipation, with many fans sharing personal stories about supporting idols through enlistment. This cultural exchange is one of the reasons K-pop remains a powerful force in global pop culture.

What’s Next for Hoshi and SEVENTEEN?

As the broadcast date for ‘Whenever You Have Time’ approaches, anticipation is building for Hoshi’s episode. Fans are eager to see more behind-the-scenes moments and to hear Hoshi’s thoughts in his own words. SEVENTEEN will continue their activities, with special projects and content planned to keep fans engaged. Hoshi’s enlistment is expected to take place in the second half of 2025, and fans are already preparing to send him off with love and support. The group’s resilience and the unwavering loyalty of CARATs ensure that SEVENTEEN will remain a major player in the K-pop scene, both during and after Hoshi’s service. For now, fans are cherishing every moment and looking forward to the day when Hoshi returns, ready to light up the stage once again.