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Kim Min-seok is back: First EXO member to enlist in military is almost done, fans say 'enjoy your vacation'

Kim Min-seok aka Xiumin's final military leave comes in November 2020 and he will not be returning to the army due to the military's policy on Covid-19

South Korean K-pop band EXO's member Kim Min-seok, better known by his stage name Xiumin, is all set to return from his military enlistment. According to South Korean rules, every male, except those with physical disabilities, are mandatorily required to serve in the military for two years before the age of 28. Xiumin, who is 30 years of age, was the first EXO member to enlist in the military.

Fans have been celebrating his return from the military by sharing congratulatory messages on Twitter. One EXO fan wrote, "The first EXO member to enlist in the military last May 7, 2019, is now almost done and it really hits different. It was the first enlistment heartbreak for us and now that he’s back, my emotions are all over the place. You’ve worked hard Minseok!!! We are so proud of you!!!" while another tweeted, "Still can't believe he's finally back, I'm so happy! AAAAAA WELCOME BACK MINSEOK, YOU DID WELL!" One more fan further added, "Welcome back our dearest Kim Minseok. Thank you for your hard work in military service. Now take your time and enjoy your vacation! See you very very soon! Congratulations on (early) your military discharged."

A different fan said, "Minseok will formally be discharged from military on 6th December. How about streaming You to 10 million until then?" while another wrote, "Can't wait till they announce that your officially discharged from the military. Welcome Back Kim Minseok!"

Xiumin enlisted for his mandatory military service on May 7, 2019, serving active duty. He performed his final concerts before his enlistment with Exo-CBX's 'Magical Circus – Special Edition' concert in Japan, and his solo fan meeting concert, 'Xiuweet Time', at Jamsil Arena on May 4. Following his enlistment, he released his debut solo single, 'You', which is part of SM Station.

In August 2019, it was reported that Xiumin would be starring in an army musical titled 'Return: The Promise of That Day' together with Shinee member Onew and Yoon Ji-sung, which ran from October 22 to December 1 at the Olympic Park’s Woori Art Hall in Seoul. Xiumin's final military leave comes in November 2020 and he will not be returning to the army due to the military's policy on Covid-19. He will be discharged on December 6.