K-pop star Zico set to enlist in mandatory 2-year military service, distraught fans cry 'please don't go'
South Korean singer-songwriter, rapper and producer Zico has announced that he will be enlisting in the military soon in order to complete his mandatory service.
Zico first gained popularity as part of the K-Pop boy group Block B. The group set itself apart from its contemporaries, distancing themselves from the brighter, more pop-inclined side of K-Pop and instead establishing itself as a hip-hop and rap-aligned act. Zico, in particular, often earned comparisons to G-Dragon of Big Bang for everything from his rapping style to his fashion. He eventually broke free from the image to carve his own niche in the industry, becoming one of the top soloists and producers in the country.
All South Korean men are required by law to enlist in the army between the age of 18 and 28. Zico, at 27 and soon to be 28, held off enlisting till his last eligible year. The news of his enlistment caused instant chaos among fans who couldn't believe what they were reading. "Zico is enlisting in the military next week?? What???" asked one fan, adding, "PLEASE SAY SIKE RN WHAT." Another said, "ZICO WILL WHAT NOW????" while one fan stated, "This baby will go to military service in 9 days."
Several fans shared they were heartbroken to learn the news. "Excuse me while I go cry myself to sleep," tweeted one fan, "I'm not okay, please don't go" stated another while one user shared, "NO STOP WAIT- NO NO NO IM NOT READY FOR ANOTHER ONE!! FIRST IT WAS SUHO FROM EXO THEN JINHO FROM PENTAGON THEN DOJOON FROM THE ROSE THEN WE GOT ONEW BACK NOW ZICO." Several idols returned from their mandatory enlistment this year, including most recently SHINee's Onew, giving fans plenty of cause to celebrate. But their joy is often short-lived since this year has also evidently seen just as many idols begin their mandatory two-year service.
Zico, who is one of South Korea's most in-demand artistes at present, will reportedly begin his enlistment on July 30 as a public service worker, which for some fans, was cause for amusement. "The idea of walking down the street one day and seeing Zico directing traffic is making me holler," stated one fan. For others, the news was shocking owing to the fact that Zico has been consistently putting out extremely successful singles, including his more recent smash hit 'Any Song' as well as his latest release, 'Summer Hate' featuring Rain.
The idol is additionally involved in Mnet's survival reality show 'I-Land', where he lends his expertise as a producer to help trainees with their craft, a joint venture between the entertainment companies CJ E&M and Big Hit Entertainment. One fan asked, "WAIT WHAT? NO! Summer Hate and Any Song is doing so well now. And what about I-Land?" while another shared, "I don’t want Zico to leave. he’s my fav producer after pdogg." It is unclear as of now how Zico's projects will be wrapped up before he heads off to the military.