MONSTA X’s Minhyuk is finally off to complete his mandatory military enlistment. As per tradition, all six members of the groups came together to send him off and even shared some warm memories through their SNS profiles. The group’s eldest member, Shownu, will be returning and resuming his activities as a member of the K-pop boy group on April 21, following the conclusion of his mandatory military stint. Lee Minhyuk even relayed the message to the group’s fans, Monbebes, earlier via his social media accounts.

Informing everyone of Shownu’s return while announcing his military enlistment, he started the countdown last month after sharing a heartfelt letter with the fans. On April 4, he left for the training centre and will likely complete his service in 2024. Just like during Shownu’s enlistment, Minhyuk took on the responsibility of shaving the elder’s head; this time, Kihyun, next in line after Minhyuk, did the same for him. The pictures of the event were shared by both group members and ended up leaving their fans emotional.

On April 2, all six members reunited for a meal together before sending off Minhyuk. He posted the same pictures on their band’s official Twitter page and sent a reassuring message about meeting again soon. With each group member heading out chronologically, it almost feels like they’re all passing on the baton to the next in line for enlistment. Therefore, it will take quite some time for them to conclude their respective duties and resume their activities as K-pop idols on a full-fledged note.

However, the constant reassurance relayed from each side has always acted as a softening and warming embrace for their loyal fanbase, which has stood tall with the group through thick and thin. Minhyuk is off to the boot camp of Yeoncheon 5th Division in Gyeonggi Province and will be discharged from his duties sometime around September or October in 2024.

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The South Korean singer, born on November 3, 1993, has been one of the strongest forces that have kept the group going in Shownu’s absence (also the leader). And while he’d incessantly humbly addressed that he’d not be coined the “leader” of the group till the eldest member returned, he’s led them all in the competitive sphere of K-pop fiercely. Monbebes believe him to be the group’s ‘vitamin’ and ‘sunshine’, so while it’s an extremely heart-rending moment to let him go, the fans also wish him well and trust that the ‘Whale’ (his representative animal) will bring him back safely.

Memories Shared by the MONSTA X Members

MONSTA X members recently featured as a group for the first time on JTBC’s South Korean variety show, Knowing Bros (minus Shownu, who will be discharged this month). The boy group last released their 12th mini album, Reason, in January 2023. Having debuted under Starship Entertainment in 2015, the K-pop group has had a strong and loyal fanbase and has delved into music genres like Hip-Hop, EDM, R&B, Pop and more. 

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