Seoul: Singer Kang Daniel will begin his mandatory military service on February 9, his agency, ARA, announced on Thursday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the 29-year-old singer had indicated his plans for enlistment during a press showcase for his sixth EP in June of the previous year. He expressed his intent to share as much of his work as possible with fans before commencing his service. Last month, Kang held his final fan concert in Seoul, which was an interactive show combining performances and fan events, marking his departure before enlistment. In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve at least 18 months in the military due to security concerns posed by North Korea.
Kang Daniel first gained attention in 2017 as a member of the project boy group Wanna One, which was formed through the Mnet audition program "Produce 101" Season 2. After the group disbanded at the end of 2018 following 18 months of activity, he continued to achieve success with various solo endeavors. Wanna One is set to reunite for a reality show on the same TV channel in the first half of this year.
Media reports suggest that Kang is currently discussing options to participate in the early segments of the program before his enlistment.