SEVENTEEN members DK and Vernon are the latest stars from the acclaimed K-pop group preparing to fulfil their mandatory national duties.
PLEDIS Entertainment announced Monday that the two artists will begin their respective service periods late this summer. Vernon is scheduled to commence his alternative military service as a social service agent on August 20. DK will follow shortly after by enlisting for active duty in the army on September 8.
The announcement arrives just weeks after the agency confirmed on July 13 that all 13 members of SEVENTEEN renewed their exclusive contracts for a second time. This unified commitment ensures the group’s long-term future even as they navigate a staggered schedule of military absences.
Ahead of these latest enlistments the group reunited with fans at the CARAT LAND fan meeting in June at Incheon Asiad Main Stadium. The massive gathering served as one of their final large-scale appearances before the group’s roster shifted again.
Both vocalists plan to complete all previously scheduled official activities before entering training. The agency formally requested that fans refrain from visiting the enlistment centres and Vernon’s designated alternative workplace. Management cited crowd control and safety concerns given the high volume of enlisting personnel and family members expected at these public ceremonies.
Pre-recorded content and fan engagement
Although DK and Vernon will temporarily halt their participation in group promotions during their service periods the company assured supporters that they will not be entirely absent. PLEDIS Entertainment stated that an array of pre-recorded content will be released over the coming months to maintain a steady connection with the fanbase.
In the interim the label encouraged followers to leave farewell messages and words of encouragement on the fan platform Weverse. The company reiterated its commitment to supporting both artists until they complete their obligations and return in good health.
Tracking the group’s military roster
The upcoming departures mark the fifth and sixth enlistments for the 13-piece outfit which debuted in 2015.
The group reached its first major milestone in this transition period last month when Jeonghan was officially discharged on June 25. He became the first SEVENTEEN member to complete his national service having served as a social service agent since September 2024.
Several other members are currently fulfilling their requirements. Wonwoo enlisted as a social service agent in April 2025. Hoshi and Woozi followed soon after beginning their active-duty army service within a day of each other in September 2025. Both men are expected to return in March 2027.
Not all members are subject to the mandate. Group leader S.Coups received a medical exemption due to a severe knee injury. Joshua, Jun and The8 are foreign nationals and are therefore exempt from South Korea’s compulsory military conscription.
Following DK and Vernon’s departures only three members, Mingyu, Seungkwan and Dino, remain awaiting their enlistment schedules. The group will continue promotional activities using flexible lineups as members rotate through their required service periods.
