Another EXO member will enlist in the military on October 26. Kim Jong-dae, popularly known as Chen, has officially announced his soon enlistment in a handwritten letter on Friday, October 16. In a translation by Soompi, the letter reads:

Hello, this is Chen. Are you all doing well and staying healthy these days, when the daily temperature swings are especially severe? The summer heat has passed, and in the blink of an eye, it’s already autumn. The reason I’m writing to all of you today is to inform you that I’ll be enlisting in the military on October 26 and to at least say goodbye to you through this letter. During my time in service, I will do my utmost to fulfill my duties in good physical and mental health, so that I can show you growth and improvement when I return and greet you again. In that time, I hope that all of you will also stay as beautiful and healthy as you are now!! I’m always grateful to you, and I love you.

South Korean men must serve the military for at least a year and a half, depending on the branch they choose to serve. Before he bids goodbye, the K-pop idol just released his new single, “Hello.” The 28-year-old singer will be the fourth member of EXO to fulfil his mandatory military service, following Xiumin, D.O., and Suho. EXO debuted in 2012 and has since become one of the most influential K-pop acts.  

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