On July 21, 2025, singer-songwriter and beloved solo artist WOODZ (real name: Cho Seungyoun) officially completed his mandatory military service and was warmly welcomed back by fans.
His discharge, which took place at the Korea Military Academy in Seoul, marked the end of an 18-month hiatus from the entertainment world and ignited excitement for his return to music and public life.
WOODZ, known for his genre-defying sound and artistic independence, first enlisted on January 22, 2024, at the Nonsan Army Training Center in Chungcheongnam-do (Chungnam).
He underwent the standard five weeks of basic military training, after which he was assigned to serve as a member of the military band stationed at the prestigious Korea Military Academy.
Throughout his service, WOODZ was praised by both peers and superiors for his discipline, teamwork, and musical contributions within the military.
His discharge was accompanied by a simple ceremony held within the grounds of the military academy. Despite the formality of the occasion, the atmosphere was filled with warmth and appreciation.
Fans had gathered in support, some of whom had followed his military journey closely through occasional updates from official military channels.
As he stepped out of the base gates, now officially a civilian once again, he was met with cheers and emotional greetings from fans and media alike.
Clad in his military uniform, WOODZ took a moment to salute his fans and offered a short but heartfelt message:
“Thank you so much for waiting for me.”
This brief statement carried significant emotional weight, as it acknowledged the loyalty and patience of his fanbase during a time when he had been out of the spotlight.
Known for his sincere connection with fans, WOODZ didn’t stop there—when asked to suggest a lunch menu item, he playfully answered:
“Samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly),” bringing a moment of levity and laughter to the crowd.
The recommendation of a beloved Korean dish was a charming and very human gesture, reminding fans of his warm personality and genuine nature.
It also symbolized a return to everyday life—and to the comforts and simple pleasures he likely missed during his military tenure.
A Look Back at His Career Before Enlistment
Before his enlistment, WOODZ had built a diverse and critically acclaimed career, transitioning from idol to respected solo artist.
Originally debuting as a member of UNIQ, and later participating in Produce X 101, he gained mainstream recognition through X1 before launching his solo career as WOODZ.
What set him apart was his ability to blend genres—hip-hop, R&B, alternative, and pop—while maintaining full creative control over his music.
His previous releases, such as “EQUAL,” “WOOPS!,” “ONLY LOVERS LEFT,” and “COLORFUL TRAUMA,” showcased his growth as a lyricist, composer, and performer.
Known for his introspective lyrics and bold experimentation, WOODZ earned a reputation as one of the most innovative young artists in the Korean music scene.
His 2022 world tour and pre-enlistment farewell activities left fans with a rich catalog of music and memories to hold onto during his absence.
