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UP10TION leader Jinhoo enlists for military service, worried fans say they may 'never get a full comeback'

Back in April 2020, it was announced by their label TOP Media that Jinhoo would be on a temporary hiatus, pausing all activities due to alleged health concerns

While we've seen several members of popular K-pop groups heading for military service over the years, another South Korean star is set to be enlisted into the military. Jinhoo, the lead vocalist of K-pop boy group UP10TION, will be enlisting, according to a statement issued by his record label TOP Media on November 23 and shared by Soompi.

"Hello. This is TOP Media," the statement began. "UP10TION’s Jinhoo will be enlisting on November 23 as an active duty soldier for his military service." The statement then called for followers to be supportive of the decision, saying, "Please be understanding that the enlistment location and time will be carried out in private, and we ask for fans’ support so that Jinhoo can healthily wrap up military life. Thank you."

Although several fans are showing their support on Twitter, many are sad and confused. "I am so confused. He should have 5 more years until this happens. Is he voluntarily taking it early because of his 'health concerns'?" asked a fan to which another replied, "Sometimes the idol may choose to enlist earlier rather than wait until they are 28 which most male idols do. Well the enlistment age is from 18 to 30."

"Suddenly? W-wow...," wrote a surprised fan. One fan was left concerned that UP10TION's music may get affected by the move. "Bro we’re never gonna get a full comeback omg im tired."

Another fan added, "NNNNOOOOOO not my jiho (jinhoo) leader of UP10TION, now they're down three members and without a leader. Jinhoo has been taking a break because of health issues but now he has enlisted @UP10TION PLEASE COME BACK TO US SAFELY & WE'LL TRY OUR BEST TO PROTECT YOUR BROTHERS."

As referred to by an aforementioned fan, back in April 2020, it was announced by the label that Jinhoo would be on a temporary hiatus, pausing all activities due to alleged health concerns. At the time, TOP Media said that UP10TION are planning a comeback with a new album. Of Jinhoo, they said in a statement, "This is a decision that was made after thoroughly discussing the matter with Jinhoo himself, as well as the other members, so we ask for your warm support."

Further in the statement, the label then noted that the record would not feature Jinhoo: "UP10TION is currently preparing for a new album with the goal of making a summer comeback, and the group will be promoting with seven members, Kuhn, Kogyeol, Bitto, Sunyoul, Gyujin, Hawnhee, and Xiao, for the time being."

The project did arrive in September, titled 'Light Up', but was released as an EP with six tracks. Meanwhile, the South Korean National Assembly's defence committee passed a bill on Friday, November 20, that would allow famous male popstars to defer their mandatory military enlistment. All able-bodied South Korean men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve in the military for about two years.