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Day6 Wonpil tearfully announces enlistment, becomes first K-pop idol to join the navy

In a special live stream, Wonpil thanked fans for the love on his solo debut and announced his enlistment becoming the last Day6 member to enlist

As more and more male idols from the third generation of K-pop reach the 30-year-old mark, their enlistment period approaches which is always a bittersweet note for fans. With members, things have been rough in the Day6 fandom with three out of the original five members of the group in the military and the departure of Jae leaving Wonpil as the only member of the JYP Entertainment rock band.

Even after announcing his solo debut with a full-length album, Wonpil did not get to enjoy its release as he was diagnosed with Covid-19 only a few days ahead of the release of ‘Pilmography’. Despite the rocky start to his solo debut, Wonpil’s album was a hit and in order to greet fans and thank them for its success, the Day6 singer went Live on February 23. During his live-stream, on a tearful note, Wonpil personally informed fans about his decision to enlist in March of 2022.

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Day6 Wonpil to enlist in the Navy

On February 24, JYPE, the label that manages the activities of Day6 officially announced that Wonpil will be the last member to enlist in the military on March 28 this year. With around a month or so remaining for his enlistment, it was also revealed that Wonpil was going to join the Navy becoming the first K-pop idol in the history of K-pop to do so. Wonpil is also only the second Korean celebrity to enlist in the navy after Actor Park Bogum.

The statement revealed that Wonpil had applied to join the navy and was accepted. This makes Wonpil the last member of the group Day6 to enlist and after his enlistment, the group will only be whole again as of December 2023.

Day6 members making history

Fans are pointing out how ahead of Wonpil, member Young K enlisted back in October last year becoming the first-ever K-pop idol to enlist as a KATUSA soldier. Not only that, DAY6 leader Sungjin became the first idol to inform fans about his enlistment on his way to the base camp without any prior warning, enlisting as an on-duty soldier.

Member Dowoon also had his fair share of firsts as My Days (Day6 fans) joke that he was the first member to interview his family on his way to base camp as he enlisted to join the military band. Now Wonpil shocks fans by suddenly dropping the news about his enlistment becoming the first-ever K-pop idol to join the Navy.

Ahead of his enlistment, Wonpil is said to meet fans in a small concert on March 11, 12 and 13 at the Yes24 Live Hall in Seoul, South Korea, where the final concert day (March 13) will be streamed online for international fans on the Beyond Live platform.

'This is legendary, Wonpil'

Fans are now proudly celebrating the last few days they have before Wonpil's two-year-long hiatus as one said, "Wonpil is the first idol to enlist in the navy it’s true. if you go on naver there’s only bogum there & he’s an actor, 해군 (ROKN, Korea Navy) is also different from 해병대 (ROKMC, Korea Marines Corps) where some idols enlisted. this is legendary really." Another fan said, "Younghyun is the first idol who join KATUSA, now Wonpil too? My heart is going to burst because too proud of them." One more fan said, "Wonpil can't swim. Wonpil afraid of water/sea. But, he is going to the Korean Navy. Don't worry. Wonpil is DAY6. DAY6 does the impossible."

One fan joked, "Wonpil just cant go anywhere without making us proud really." Another fan said, "Wonpil, you debuting as a soloist and enlisting as part of the Korean Navy on 28 March, you've done so well until now. Don't cry, you've done so well." Another fan said, "Aaah this breaks my heart!!! we’re just here for you and we’ll wait for you wonpil, proud of you always." Another worried fan said, "Pls im so worried i hope he can learn how to swim even just a little before coming there. kim wonpil fighting!"