EXO’s Kai, whose real name is Kim Jong-in, officially returns after 641 days of military service. Fans rejoice his return with the hashtag #WelcomeBackOurKai trending on X (formerly Twitter).

Welcome back, our baby bear 🤍#카이_소집해제_디데이#올해는_종인이랑_재밌어주금#WelcomeBackOurKai pic.twitter.com/qrSSJ3NaiW

— 𝗬𝗨 ♡ (@yu_myeon) February 9, 2025

MR ROVER SERVICE IS FINALLY OVER#WelcomeBackOurKai

pic.twitter.com/tV5uu0UXxD

— rue࣪ ☆ (@IT3OYKAI) February 9, 2025

The “Rover” singer enlisted on May 11, 2023, which sparked mixed reactions among fans as he was initially part of promoting EXO’s seventh studio album, “Exist,” that same year. These plans were put to a halt due to the Military Manpower Administration’s [MMA] policy change.

Following Kai’s military discharge, fans are eager to see what he has in store next.

the number of magazines kai’s about to add to this list is gonna be crazy

#WelcomeBackOurKai pic.twitter.com/BtogZ4z4Zj

— rue࣪ ☆ (@IT3OYKAI) February 9, 2025

Apart from Kai, his co-member Sehun is currently in public service and is expected to return in late 2025. 

What is South Korea’s Mandatory Military Service?

South Korea’s conscription has since been a topic of interest among K-pop fans. It is a law that requires all able-bodied men aged 18 to 35 to serve in the military for a duration of 18 to 21 months, with some rare cases of exemption.

All South Korean men have the option to serve in any of the military branches, which are:

• Republic of Korea Army (ROKA)
• Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN)
• Republic of Korea Marine Corps (ROKMC)
• Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF)

Are Korean celebrities required for serving in conscription?

Yes, South Korean conscription doesn’t exempt celebrities. Albeit there have been rare cases of exemption like Kim Woo-bin due to his nasopharyngeal cancer, Jo Jung-suk for being a sole family breadwinner, and Ahn Hyo Seop for his Canadian citizenship.

What branch of the military did Kai serve at?

Kai enlisted in the Army Training Center in May 2023, where he went through a five-week basic military training before his assignment to social service duties.

Sources: (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8)

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