Seventeen’s Mingyu begins alternative military service

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Seventeen member Mingyu began his mandatory military service, becoming the seventh member of the group to fulfill his military duty.

On Thursday, Sept. 10, Mingyu entered a training center before beginning alternative service as a social service worker. No official event was held for his enlistment, and Pledis Entertainment previously asked fans not to visit his workplace.

Ahead of his enlistment, the 29-year-old singer shared photos of his newly buzzed hair on Instagram, giving fans a glimpse of his military-ready look. He later posted another set of photos on Sept. 9 showing his short haircut during a visit to a Dior showroom.

Mingyu also addressed Carats on fan community app Weverse a day before beginning his service.

“I’ll serve well and come back healthy,” he wrote, adding that being unable to see fans for some time was what saddened him most. He also encouraged them to enjoy the content he prepared in advance.

His enlistment comes two days after fellow Seventeen member DK entered the Army on Sept. 8. Vernon began alternative service in August, while Wonwoo is also serving as a social service worker. Hoshi and Woozi are serving as active-duty soldiers.

Seungkwan and Dino are scheduled to enlist in the Army military band on Oct. 26. — Angelica Villanueva