ASTRO’s MJ enlists for military service and announces it through tears

Kim Myung-jun, known as MJ from ASTRO, the band from k popannounced his enlistment to the army on April 9, 2022. The idol announced the news at the fan meeting organized by the boyband called “ASTRO AROHA Festival 2022 – Gate 6″, in which they commemorated the debut of the group at the SK Olympic Handball Stadium in Seoul. This event would be the last one that will feature the presence of the ASTRO vocalist before his entry into the army.

The requirement of military service is mandatory in South Korea. All young people between the ages of 18 and 35 must comply with this order – in the history of the country there have been very few exceptions to the service, an example is the BTS law that the South Korean government is currently evaluating -.

ASTRO’s main vocalist gave an emotional speech and the recent news to AROHA through tears. Besides, The idol made it official that on May 9, 2022 he will begin to serve his country by complying with military training. Kim Myung-jun stated: “I will enlist in the army on May 9. I am very sorry to have to deliver this kind of news today, when we will finally meet in person for the first time in a long time. But because of that, today is so precious to me, and I think it will be the day I will remember the most.”

MJ finally added: “I was so happy to see AROHA for the first time in a long time, and I will come back as a fresher and more mature version of myself (…) “So please enjoy our fan meeting until the end of today and take good care of my fellow ASTRO members. Thank you all”.

Following the speech, Fantagio Entertainment (ASTRO’s representative company) released the following statement, We share a translated version:

The military service lasts for two years, the idol has confirmed that ASTRO will remain united when he returns from doing his duty, Nevertheless; It is uncertain how long they can be together after a possible comeback since the other members of the group would also have to enlist in the army. From oldest to youngest, the first to enlist is MJ, followed by Jinjin, Cha Eunwoo, Moon Bin, Rocky and finally Sanha, who is the youngest of the group at only 22 years old.

ASTRO members say goodbye to MJ

At the event held, MJ’s bandmates gave emotional messages to their vocalist as a farewell. In order (by age of ASTRO members), they said the following:

Jin-jin: “Your absence will hit me very hard, I still can’t imagine it, but I can feel it. Your bright energy really leads the pack, I thank you for that. As a leader you always worried about me whenever I was down, you are a big brother to me so thank you.”

Eun-woo: “Stay healthy, I will run to you whenever you need me, no matter where you are. I will always be by your side, do not think for a second that you are alone.

moonbin: “Time flies, I met you at school I don’t know what to say. Serve the country and do it well. Come back safe and sound. We are waiting for you our main vocal. fighting! I love you.”

Rocky: “We will always be ASTRO, be proud. The absence of our precious little MJ. Whatever it is, no matter the circumstance, our MJ will always shine brighter.”

Sanha: “I feel very sentimental, it feels like my brother is really leaving, it shows the bond we have. We are Family.”