SAEDNEWS: Seventeen’s Hoshi has officially begun his military journey, sharing photos of his shaved head and heartfelt goodbyes with fans. The emotional moment comes just a day after fellow member Woozi’s enlistment.
South Korean idol Hoshi, a beloved member of the K-pop powerhouse Seventeen, has officially taken his first steps into military service. On September 16, the singer and dancer shared a series of photos on Instagram, capturing the emotional moment as his fellow bandmate The8 shaved his head.
The symbolic haircut is a rite of passage for all South Korean men before enlistment, and Hoshi chose to share this personal milestone with his fans worldwide. In his post, he simply wrote: “I’ll be back safely.”
The photos quickly spread across social media, sparking heartfelt reactions from fans, many of whom expressed their pride, sadness, and unwavering support. “Stay healthy and come back stronger,” wrote one fan on Twitter, while another commented: “Seeing The8 shave Hoshi’s head shows the strong bond within Seventeen.”
The8 himself left a simple but powerful message under Hoshi’s post: “Stay healthy.”
Hoshi’s enlistment comes just one day after fellow Seventeen member Woozi entered military service on September 15. Together, Hoshi and Woozi form the subunit “HxW,” which debuted earlier this year with their single album Beam.
Now, with both members fulfilling their national duty, fans are reflecting on their impact as a duo and expressing anticipation for their eventual return to the stage.
Hoshi and Woozi are not the only members currently serving. Jeonghan and Wonwoo are also fulfilling their enlistment, leaving fans to cope with the absence of multiple members at once. Despite these challenges, Seventeen remains active as a group. Earlier this month, they celebrated their 10th anniversary with the release of their mini album THE X.
The group’s ability to continue creating music and connecting with fans even as some members enlist demonstrates both their resilience and their dedication to their craft.
Before enlistment, Hoshi was actively involved in Seventeen’s global activities, including their Right Here concert tour in the Philippines earlier this year. Known for his powerful stage presence, sharp choreography, and charisma, Hoshi has been a cornerstone of Seventeen’s performances since their debut.
The star’s departure for military service marks a temporary pause in his career, but his legacy within Seventeen is secure. Fans can revisit countless performances, albums, and memories as they await his safe return.
As Hoshi embarks on his new chapter, Seventeen fans—known as Carats—are rallying around him with messages of love and encouragement. Many have already begun creating hashtags to trend globally, ensuring that Hoshi feels their support even while away from the stage.
For Seventeen, this period marks another stage in their journey as a group navigating military enlistments while continuing to evolve musically. With members rotating in and out of service, Carats are prepared to stand by the group until they reunite in full strength.
Hoshi’s promise to return “safely” resonates deeply with fans, serving as both reassurance and a reminder of the strong bond between Seventeen and their global audience.