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When will SHINee Taemin complete military service? Discharge date reportedly postponed

Taemin was set to finish his military service in November but was transfered to alternate social service work after mental health issues

As the baby of K-pop, fans have been waiting with bated breath for SHINee’s Taemin to return from the military unscathed. All healthy South Korean males have to enlist for mandatory military service and idols are no exception. With Taemin being one of the youngest idols to ever debut at the age of 14 back in 2008, fans have been with him all the step of the way as he grew up. And with the SHINee star getting honest about his fears before enlisting, fans have been worried about him. In fact, in the middle of his military service, it was reported for the first time that he had depression.

In January, K-pop Twitter was shocked when it was reported that SHINee’s Taemin was suffering from depression and anxiety and it had gotten worse in the military. He ended up changing his position from being part of the military band to completing his service as a social worker. While fans were not given a reason for the decision, many speculated that some male celebrities are sexually harassed in the military as hinted by EXO’s Baekhyun and Super Junior’s Kyuhyun. And so, fans wanted Taemin back safe and sound at the earliest. But according to a report, the SHINee star’s discharge date is postponed.

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Taemin’s discharge date reportedly postponed

The standard military service for male civilians is of 1 year and 6 months or 18 months. But for some branches, it is longer as seen with the 20 months in the Navy and 21 months in the Air Force. When Taemin first enlisted as part of the army band on May 31, 2021, his discharge date was for November 27, 2022. But according to a report by the South Korean outlet TopStarNews, the SHINee star’s discharge date has now been moved to March 2, 2023. The reporter claims that since he changed his position from the band to the alternate service of a social worker, his service period had been extended. 

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‘Free my man’

While fans were celebrating Taemin’s July 18 birthday in advance, the rumor of his new discharge date dampened the mood. One Shawol (SHINee’s fan) tweeted, “It's official 😭 taemin will be discharged from military on 2nd March 2023, that's 7 months from now.” Another fan hoped that people wouldn’t speculate on the rumors, “He gets back when he gets back, it's not that difficult to wait for an official update and let him finish his service in peace.”

Another fan posted, “No way they should free my man now.” One joked, “Taemin release party in korea.” Another added, “Day ruined.” One fan shared, “Free my man taemin! He can serve the country with his choreo GIVE HIM BACK.” Another hoped the rumor was false, “ITS NOT ??????? omg pls let it be false info i will literally drag my teeth across concerete if its true.”

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