K-Pop Stars’ Triumphant Returns: Military Discharges and Upcoming Fan Events
Seoul, May 26, 2025 – South Korea’s entertainment industry is abuzz as a wave of K-Pop idols and actors return from mandatory military service throughout 2025. Among the most anticipated comebacks are Lee Do-hyun, Sehun of EXO, Kim Min-kyu, and Song Kang. Their returns herald new music, fan engagements, and a resurgence of star power across television and music charts.
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After months or even years away from the public eye, several beloved K-Pop artists and actors are set to reenter the spotlight upon completing their military duties. These scheduled discharges span from May through December 2025, promising a packed calendar of comebacks, fan meetings, and new projects that will shape the entertainment landscape in the months to come.
Key Military Discharge Dates and Events
1. Lee Do-hyun (Actor)
• Discharge Date: May 13, 2025
• Notable Roles: The Glory, 18 Again
• Post-Service Plans: Fan meeting titled "Re DO HYUN" scheduled for June 14 and 15, 2025 in Seoul
• Artist’s Statement: "Thanks to the fans who love and cherish me, as well as the fellow soldiers and officers of the Air Force Military Band, I've been able to complete my service with happy memories and a grateful heart." (Instagram; Times Now)
2. EXO’s Sehun
• Enlistment Date: December 2023
• Expected Discharge: September 20, 2025
• Group Activities: A full-group EXO fan meeting is under discussion for late 2025
• Artist’s Statement: "These days, I’ve been spending time alone, looking after myself and deeply contemplating. As a result, I’m greeting you like this without standing in front of you. I am really thankful to everyone who cares for me. I hope everyone stays healthy until the day we meet again. I will also come back in good health. Thank you." (Instagram; Times Now)
3. Kim Min-kyu (Actor)
• Enlistment Date: April 2024
• Expected Discharge: September 20, 2025
• Notable Roles: Business Proposal, The Heavenly Idol
• Artist’s Statement: "I'll be back safely." Posted alongside a photo of his new buzz-cut military look. (Instagram; CNBC TV18)
4. Song Kang (Actor)
• Enlistment Date: After filming "My Demon"
• Expected Discharge: December 1, 2025
• Notable Roles: The Love Alarm, Nevertheless
• Artist’s Statement: "I won't be by your side for a while, but time will return quickly. I hope to greet you in person again with a grateful and healthy heart. When that comes, I hope to see you happier than you are now. I will return healthily, safely, and happily. I love you. Always." (Handwritten note; News18)
5. BTS Members (Jin, J-Hope, RM, V, Jimin, Jungkook, Suga)
• Discharge Window: Throughout June 2025
• Impact: Their staggered returns will reinvigorate BTS’s group activities, media appearances, and music releases, reaffirming their global influence.
Industry Context and Fan Expectations
The return of these high-profile stars coincides with a competitive summer season in K-Pop and K-Drama. Agencies are poised to capitalize on fan enthusiasm with new singles, albums, dramas, and variety show appearances. Fan clubs and official ticketing platforms have reported surging demand for event reservations and merchandise preorders.
Lee Do-hyun’s upcoming fan meeting "Re DO HYUN" sold out within hours of ticket release, with thousands on waiting lists. Industry analysts predict that his post-service projects will garner top ratings and streaming numbers, building on the critical acclaim of his pre-enlistment work.
For EXO, discussions around a full-group gathering reflect both operational challenges and the pent-up excitement of a global fanbase. EXO-Ls (EXO fans) have mobilized across social media to coordinate streaming parties and support campaigns in anticipation of Sehun’s return.
Kim Min-kyu’s social media engagement surged following his enlistment announcement, setting the stage for a strong comeback performance chart presence. Song Kang’s heartfelt handwritten note resonated especially with international fans, who have shared translated excerpts to build momentum for his return.
Quotes and Reactions
Industry Expert Commentary:
"The staggered return of these artists provides multiple high-impact moments for the industry throughout the rest of 2025," said Park Hyun-soo, a music industry analyst. "Fans have been anticipating these comebacks, and agencies are strategically planning releases to maximize visibility across platforms."
Fan Sentiments:
"I’ve missed Lee Do-hyun so much," wrote one fan on an online forum. "Seeing him at 'Re DO HYUN' will be a dream come true."
"EXO’s full group together again is the best news of the year," commented another fan on Twitter. "Counting down the days until September!"
Implications for 2025 and Beyond
As these artists reintegrate into the entertainment cycle, their activities will influence chart rankings, television ratings, and international outreach. Major music award show nominations for the following year may reflect their comeback releases, and collaboration rumors are already circulating—particularly for cross-genre projects in music and drama.
Furthermore, the return of BTS members throughout June 2025 is poised to trigger global fan events, collaborations with international artists, and potential new record deals. This period marks a critical phase in the evolution of K-Pop’s global footprint.
Conclusion
2025 is shaping up to be a milestone year for K-Pop and Korean entertainment. The return from military service of Lee Do-hyun, Sehun, Kim Min-kyu, Song Kang, and BTS members promises a sustained wave of new content, performances, and fan interactions. As the industry ramps up for their comebacks, fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the next chapter of their favorite artists’ careers.
Sources:
• Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/htcity/cinema/kpop-comebacks-all-the-south-korean-celebrities-returning-from-military-service-in-2025-101747999719554.html
• Times Now (Lee Do-hyun quote): https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/korean/lee-do-hyun-addresses-fans-for-support-during-military-absence-fanmeet-re-do-hyun-gtand-galaxy-next-k-drama-star-article-151639195
• Times Now (Sehun quote): https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/korean/exos-sehun-apologizes-as-he-announces-enlistment-date-in-heartfelt-letter-baekhyun-comforts-fans-article-105967444
• CNBC TV18 (Kim Min-kyu quote): https://www.cnbctv18.com/entertainment/business-proposal-star-kim-min-kyu-starts-mandatory-military-service-shares-this-message-for-fans-19390357.htm
• News18 (Song Kang quote): https://www.news18.com/movies/song-kangs-handwritten-note-ahead-of-military-enlistment-is-everything-8835827.html
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