THE STAR – K-pop idol Kai from boy band Exo will be enlisting for military service next Thursday, much earlier than expected.
In a teary Instagram Live on Wednesday, the 29-year-old addressed his fans, “Today is the first day of me finding out about it as well, so please be understanding. I’ll smile from tomorrow onwards.”
This was reported by various media outlets.
Exo’s highly anticipated comeback was to happen in 2023, after bandmate Baekhyun was discharged from military service in February.
Kai said, “There’s so much that I had prepared. What a pity. That’s what’s upsetting.
“There’s nothing that I could do about this. I’m sad that I can’t show you what I prepared, but I can show you after I return.”
In South Korea, able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for about two years.
One of the most popular members of the nine-member band, which made their debut in 2012, Kai is known for his dance skills and for being an influential fashion figure.