EXO is a superpower group from South Korea, although in recent years fans have been enjoying new music releases so few and far between.
This is because the KPOP boy group has had most of its members enlist in the military; in fact, a highly anticipated comeback was expected from the group was supposed to happen between April and June, reports said.
That is why the news of Kai's enlistment comes as a complete surprise to the fans, who were not expecting him to go into the military in just a few days' time.
Kai's Enlistment
SM Entertainment, the boy group's music label, and agency, took to social media to announce the news to the fans.
"We have come to relay sudden news to fans regarding Kai's military service," the statement read.
"Kai was preparing for EXO's comeback scheduled for this year, but due to a recent change in regulations of the Military Manpower Administration, he is set to enter the army recruit training center on May 11 where he will receive basic military training, and he will then serve as a public service worker."
The company also noted that the plans for the upcoming album will be "sorted out."
Fans were shocked, outraged, and most of all, devastated by the sudden news.
"He served though, he don't need to serve anymore," a fan joked.
"It's the time of the year," another added, sharing a picture of all the other members who have already enlisted in the military.
"This is so sudden...all of us EXO-L were so excited for this comeback because we were to get an ot9 comeback after such a long time," another wrote. "I just don't know what to say I can't imagine EXO [performing] their long-awaited comeback without Kai. They also said it's gonna be huge this time."
"The way I just witnessed them as a whole group after 2 years of stanning but it was too short. anyways serve well [Kai] and come back faster," a fan added.
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KPOP & Enlistments
Male South Korean citizens are expected to enlist in the military by the age of 18, but they can wait it out until the age of 28. Kai is currently 29 years old.
Other South Korean celebrities who have enlisted in the military are BTS' Jin and J-Hope, actor Nam Joo-hyuk, and MONSTA X's Minhyuk.
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