K-pop boy band Monsta X's Kihyun enlists as an active duty soldier
K-pop idol group Monsta X’s Kihyun enlisted in the military on Aug. 22, becoming the fourth member to fulfill the mandatory duty.
Kihyun, 29, entered the military camp in the afternoon of Aug. 22. Before this, he uploaded photos on Instagram, showing himself with short hair with the caption “I’ll be back.” He will be serving as an active duty soldier.

Monsta X's Kihyun (Instagram)


Monsta X's Kihyun (right) with I.M (Instagram)

Monsta X members (from left) Shownu, Minhyuk, Joohoney and Kihyun (Twitter, Instagram)
“Kihyun will be entering the training center today. After completing basic military training, he will be assigned to his own unit as an active duty soldier in the army. The enlistment location and time will be kept private, and he will enlist quietly,” Starship Entertainment, the group’s agency, said.
“Keep your body and mind healthy. I'll come back to show you a better side of me. Stay healthy Monbebe. Let's meet again with a smile,” Kihyun said in a post on X on Aug. 22.
Ahead of his enlistment, Kihyun said through his agency, “I’ll go and come back in good health while thinking of our Monbebe [fans]. Because I believe that the remaining members will be working hard in their respective positions, I think I will be able to go to the army comfortably.”
He added, “I hope the members will be healthy and well, promising the day when the six of us will gather after the military service period is over, and I always want to say thank you."
Kihyun is the fourth member of Monsta X to go to the military. Monsta X’s Shownu enlisted in July 2021 and was discharged last April.
Minhyuk enlisted last April 4 and will be discharged on Oct. 3, 2024. Joohoney started his military service last July 24 and will be discharged on Jan. 23, 2025. Kihyun will be discharged on Feb. 21, 2025.
The Monsta X members who have not enlisted yet are Hyungwon and I.M.