SEVENTEEN‘s Vernon and DK will begin their mandatory military service in the coming weeks, Pledis Entertainment announced on Monday, July 27 (KST). Vernon will start his alternative service as a social service agent on August 20, while DK will enlist in the Army as an active-duty soldier on September 8. Both members will take part in their scheduled official activities without interruption until their respective start dates, the agency said in an official notice posted to the group’s fan community.
What Pledis Entertainment Announced
In the notice, Pledis confirmed the two members’ service plans and asked fans not to visit DK’s training center on enlistment day, noting that “numerous other recruits and their families will attend the event.” The agency made the same request regarding Vernon’s alternative service site. Pledis added that a variety of content prepared in advance will continue to reach fans while the two members are away, and said it will fully support both artists throughout their service.
Where SEVENTEEN’s Military Timeline Stands
Completed and currently serving
Vernon and DK become the fifth and sixth members of SEVENTEEN to begin their service. Jeonghan was the first to complete his duty: he served as a social service agent from September 2024 and was discharged on June 25, 2026. Wonwoo is currently carrying out his alternative service as a social service agent, while Hoshi and Woozi have been serving as active-duty soldiers since enlisting in September 2025.
Exempt or not subject to enlistment
Leader S.Coups received an exemption from mandatory service due to a knee injury. Joshua, who is an American citizen, and Chinese members Jun and The8 are not subject to South Korea’s conscription requirements. That leaves Mingyu, Seungkwan, and Dino as the Korean members who have yet to begin their service.
What This Means for CARATs
SEVENTEEN has been managing its members’ enlistments in a staggered fashion rather than pausing as a full group, allowing units and individual members to stay active while others serve. Jeonghan’s return in June marked the group’s first completed service, and the pipeline of pre-produced content — a strategy Pledis reiterated in Monday’s announcement — is expected to keep both DK and Vernon visible to fans during their time away. All 13 members have renewed their contracts with Pledis, underscoring the company’s and the group’s stated commitment to continuing as a full team once military obligations are complete.
Under South Korea’s current system, active-duty Army service runs approximately 18 months, while alternative service as a social service agent typically lasts 21 months. Exact discharge dates depend on each member’s assignment and applicable regulations.
FAQ
When does DK of SEVENTEEN enlist?
DK enlists in the South Korean Army as an active-duty soldier on September 8, 2026. He will continue scheduled activities until then.
When does Vernon start his military service?
Vernon begins alternative service as a social service agent on August 20, 2026.
Which SEVENTEEN members have already served or are serving?
Jeonghan completed his alternative service on June 25, 2026. Wonwoo (alternative service), Hoshi, and Woozi (both active duty, since September 2025) are currently serving. S.Coups is exempt, and Joshua, Jun, and The8 are not subject to Korean conscription.
Related: See our full K-Pop Military Service Tracker for every SEVENTEEN member’s status, plus BTS and EXO.
Based on Pledis Entertainment’s official announcement of July 27, 2026 (KST), with additional reporting by The Korea Herald and Ten Asia.
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