Korean idol-actor Park Jinyoung, a member of K-pop boy band GOT7, enlisted in the military on May 8.
His agency, BH Entertainment, posted a photo of Jinyoung sporting short hair on the day of his enlistment.
GOT7's Jinyoung on the day of his enlistment on May 8 (Instagram)
GOT7's Jinyoung sporting short hair for his military service (Instagram)
GOT7's Yugyeom and Jay B bidding goodbye to Jinyoung on May 8 (Instagram)
GOT7's Jinyoung at the Baeksang Arts Awards on April 28 (Instagram)
“Actor Park Jinyoung enlisted today. We ask for your support and encouragement until the day he sees his fans again with a better image,” the agency said.
In an Instagram story, GOT7’s Yugyeom uploaded a photo showing him and Jay B bidding goodbye to Jinyoung.
Jinyoung also uploaded a photo on his Instagram account on May 7 showing his short hair.
He will undergo basic military training before being assigned to his own unit in the army. He will serve for 18 months.
His agency announced on May 4 that “there will be no separate official event and we ask for your understanding as he will be arriving in private for the safety and in consideration of the other families and their loved ones.”
“We kindly ask that fans of Jinyoung refrain from visiting the site as this is a private occasion for many families. As always, thank you very much for your support as Jinyoung fulfills his duties in the military and returns happy and in good health,” it said.
In an earlier Instagram post, Jinyoung said, “It's gotten a lot warmer. Are you all doing well? You were surprised to hear about my enlistment, right? As disclosed, I will join the military on May 8 to fulfill my national defense duty.”
“I'm sure everyone is worried, but I think I've gotten calmer and more reassured after meeting you. So, thinking about you, I promise you that I will be healthy, experience many things, and return as a better person. Then see you soon. Thank you always and I love you,” he said.
Last February, he visited the Philippines and held his “Rendezvous: 2023 Park Jin-young Fan Concert in Manila.”
Before his enlistment, Jinyoung won best new actor for the film “Christmas Carol” at the 59th Baeksang Arts Awards held on April 28 in Incheon, South Korea.
Jinyoung will be discharged from the army on Nov. 7, 2024.