SEVENTEEN’s DK And Vernon Announce Military Enlistment

Jul 27, 2026 · 4 min read

Pledis Entertainment put out a statement today announcing that SEVENTEEN members DK and Vernon will begin their mandatory military service this summer. DK will enlist for active duty in the Army on September 8, and Vernon will begin his military service on August 20. Both members will continue participating in all scheduled group activities until their respective enlistment dates.

If you’re a fan thinking of seeing them off at the venue, do reconsider — Pledis requested that fans refrain from visiting the enlistment ceremony for both members, considering their families and those of the other enlistees would be present.

Once enlisted, neither member will be able to participate in SEVENTEEN activities, though the statement said that both will connect with CARAT through pre-recorded content prepared in advance.

DK And Vernon's Roles In SEVENTEEN

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - MAY 27: DK of SEVENTEEN attends SEVENTEEN's 4th Album 'Face the Sun' Release Press Conference at Conrad Seoul Grand Ballroom on May 27, 2022 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images)

ImaZins via Getty Images

DK, also known as Dokyeom or by full name Lee Seok-min, is one of SEVENTEEN’s lead vocalists and has been central to the group’s discography since their debut in 2015. He is known for his powerful vocal range and is the leader of their BSS subunit.

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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - JUNE 18: Vernon of SEVENTEEN attends SEVENTEEN's 8th Mini Album 'Your Choice' Release Press Conference at Intercontinental Seoul Coex Harmony Ballroom on June 18, 2021 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by The Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images)

ImaZins via Getty Images

Vernon, or Choi Hansol holds dual American and Korean citizenship, which doesn’t exempt him from military service. In SEVENTEEN, he’s known for his rap and multilingual stage presence and most recently for the duo subunit V8, with fellow member The8.

Since their 2015 debut, SEVENTEEN have become one of K-pop’s most commercially consistent groups. They are the only thirteen-member group ever in the K-pop industry to renew their full-group contracts twice. Their New_ World Tour, which wrapped up in April this year, drew over 900,000 fans (online and offline) across 31 performances in 14 cities.

Full Statement About SEVENTEEN DK And Vernon’s Enlistment

"Hello.
This is PLEDIS Entertainment.

We would like to inform you of SEVENTEEN members DK and VERNON’s upcoming military service.

DK is scheduled to enlist for active duty in the Army on September 8. He will participate in all official activities prior to his enlistment. As numerous enlistees and their families will be present at the enlistment ceremony, we respectfully request that you refrain from visiting the site in person on the day of his enlistment.

VERNON will begin his military service on August 20. He will also participate in all official activities prior to the start of his service. We kindly ask that you refrain from visiting the enlistment ceremony on the day of his enlistment, as well as the place of his alternative service.

Once DK and VERNON begin their military service, they will be unable to participate in SEVENTEEN activities. However, they will continue to connect with CARAT through a variety of content prepared in advance. Please send your messages of farewell and support for the members on Weverse.

We ask for your continued love and support for DK and VERNON until they complete their military service and return in good health. PLEDIS Entertainment will continue to support our artists every step of the way.

Thank you."

SEVENTEEN’s Military Timeline

With DK and Vernon’s enlistments confirmed, SEVENTEEN’s military picture for the remainder of 2026 is as follows. Jeonghan completed his service and was discharged in June 2026, the first SEVENTEEN member to do so. Wonwoo enlisted last year and is currently serving. Hoshi and Woozi are currently on active duty, per the Korea Herald. S.Coups received a military exemption due to a chronic knee injury and will not be enlisting. Joshua, THE8, and Jun are exempt from South Korean military service due to their foreign citizenship (US and China). Mingyu, Seungkwan and Dino have not yet announced enlistment dates.

SEVENTEEN confirmed its full thirteen-member contract renewal with Pledis earlier this month, stating they would return as thirteen once enlistments are complete.

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