K-pop idol and actor Ong Seong-wu, former member of boy band Wanna One, shaved his head days before his enlistment.
Ong Seong-wu, 27, will be enlisting as an active duty soldier on Monday, April 17, to fulfill his mandatory duty as a Korean citizen.
(Clockwise from top left) K-pop idol and actor Ong Seong-wu before and after shaving his head (Instagram)
He held a live broadcast on his YouTube channel on April 14.
“After today’s fan signing, I went to the shop and shaved my hair. As soon as I shaved it, I turned on the live broadcast to greet you right away," he said.
He added, "I thought it would be better to say hello in advance because I thought I would be distracted because I needed time to talk to my family on the day of (enlistment)."
About cutting his hair too short, he said, "I don't think I knew it well, I was so curious about what it would be like because I'd never cut it this short in my life, I thought about how it would feel, but it's more amazing and new than I thought.”
According to the Korean Army Training Center website, men should cut their bangs and top hair within 3 cm and the back hair within 1 cm before they enlist.
“I will work hard and enjoy myself, and come back stronger and more confident. I will do well and come back as dignified and cool as much as you trusted me,” he said.
Ong Seong-wu also revealed that “after being assigned to my own unit, I can use my cell phone, so I can share the news in my spare time. I will go home without feeling too far away."
He will be discharged from the army on Oct. 16, 2024.
BTS’ J-Hope, meanwhile, will enlist on April 18 as an active duty soldier.