On September 16, SEVENTEEN’s Hoshi officially began his mandatory military service, becoming the fourth member of the group to enlist following Jeonghan, Wonwoo, and Woozi.
As he entered a recruit training center to begin basic training, fans across South Korea and around the world expressed their support, love, and bittersweet goodbyes.
Known for his boundless energy, passion for performance, and strong leadership as a member of SEVENTEEN’s performance unit, Hoshi took time to speak directly to fans before his enlistment.
His message was one of reassurance, humility, and love, proving once again why he’s a cherished member of both SEVENTEEN and the global CARAT fandom.
A Heartfelt Farewell: Hoshi’s Final Message Before Enlistment
The night before his enlistment, Hoshi went live on Weverse, SEVENTEEN’s fan platform, to say goodbye and give his supporters peace of mind.
“As you know, I’ll be enlisting tomorrow. I’ll serve well and return healthily,” Hoshi said, donning a calm and optimistic tone.
He acknowledged that Woozi, another SEVENTEEN member, had enlisted at the Nonsan Training Center on the same day. Wanting to ease any fan concerns, Hoshi added:
“Don’t worry about us. We’ll do well.”
In a touching moment during the broadcast, Hoshi revealed his newly shaved head — a symbolic and traditional act for Korean men entering military service.
He offered a salute to fans, smiling confidently as he declared:
“I’ll come back after doing my best. Please stay healthy.”
This simple but powerful gesture left many fans emotional, with the Weverse chat overflowing with hearts, well-wishes, and messages of support.
Extended Training Due to Chuseok Holiday
In a small but important detail, Hoshi shared that his basic training period will be extended to seven weeks instead of the typical five.
This adjustment is due to the upcoming Chuseok holiday, Korea’s version of Thanksgiving, which often affects national scheduling and services.
While this means a longer initial training period, Hoshi remained upbeat, choosing to focus on doing his best and returning stronger.
A Parting Gift: “TAKE A SHOT”
To mark his departure in a meaningful way, Hoshi released a new track titled “TAKE A SHOT” on the day of his enlistment.
The song, which is entirely rap-based, serves as a self-reflective project that Hoshi worked on in collaboration with SEVENTEEN’s younger members.
The release is significant not only as a farewell gift to fans but also as a demonstration of Hoshi’s artistic growth.
Known for his dynamic dancing and stage presence, the track gives listeners a deeper glimpse into his personal thoughts and inner emotions as he transitions into military life.
Fans have praised the track’s raw energy and heartfelt lyrics, noting that it perfectly captures Hoshi’s trademark confidence mixed with quiet introspection.
Support from Friends and Fellow Members
Hoshi wasn’t alone during this big moment. According to reports, close celebrity friends such as Lee Soo Hyuk and Lee Dong Hwi reached out with messages of encouragement.
Hoshi shared these posts with gratitude, showing the strong network of support surrounding him.
At SEVENTEEN’s recent concert, fans were touched to see fellow enlistees Jeonghan, Woozi, and Wonwoo present in the audience to cheer Hoshi on.
Their attendance was not only a testament to the group’s tight-knit bond, but also a moving display of unity during a transitional moment in Hoshi’s life and career.
Return Date Set for March 15, 2027
Hoshi is expected to complete his military service and be discharged on March 15, 2027. Until then, fans will be eagerly awaiting his return, holding on to his words of promise and strength.
While enlistment is always a bittersweet moment for idols and their fans, many CARATs are focusing on the positive legacy Hoshi leaves behind — from his electric stage performances to his touching final words.
A Moment of Reflection for SEVENTEEN and CARATs
With four SEVENTEEN members now enlisted, the group is entering a new chapter. Yet their unbreakable bond, clear communication with fans, and continuous content releases help ensure that the group’s connection to their global audience remains strong.
As Hoshi embarks on his military journey, fans are sending their love not just through social media, but also through streaming his music, revisiting old performances, and sharing kind words with one another.
His enlistment has become not just a personal milestone, but also a collective moment of reflection and pride for the SEVENTEEN community.
