[talk] [Stray Kids' Reno's Military Service] Will he really enlist in 2025? The truth behind the rumors and the latest predictions!

We'll explain when Stray Kids member Li-Ho will begin his military service, whether the rumor that he will enlist in 2025 is true, and why it spread. This is a comprehensive guide that takes into account South Korea's military service system, age criteria, and contract renewal status to determine the realistic timing of his enlistment.

 

 

table of contents 1. Reno's profile and current activities 2. Why there are rumors that Reno will enlist in the military in 2025 3. South Korea's military service system and enlistment age standards 4. Predicting Reno's enlistment date from various angles 5. Predicted military service schedule for all Stray Kids members 6. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A) 7. Summary

 

 

1. Reno's profile and current activities

 

Stray Kids' main dancer, Lee Min-ho (real name: Lee Min-ho, born October 25, 1998), is known as the "dancing jewel" for his sharp dance lines and unique presence. He previously worked as a backup dancer for BTS, and his outstanding skills have been attracting attention since his trainee days.

 

He plays a central role in Stray Kids' performances, and is the choreography leader and creator of some of the choreography during practice. While he displays intense charisma on stage, in his private life he also has a gentle side, doting on his three cats (Suni, Dooni, and Dori). He often makes unique remarks and behaves in unique ways, and is loved by the other members as a "mysterious character."

 

At 172cm tall, she is small for a K-Pop idol, but she is extremely adept at using her body and performs confidently on stage, making her height seem insignificant. Her overseas stage name, "Lee Know," was chosen with the intention of "understanding the feelings of her fans."

 

 

 

 

2. Why the "2025 enlistment rumor" spread in Reno

 

At one point, a rumor spread rapidly online that Reno would be enlisting in the military in 2025. However, this rumor had no clear basis, and no official announcement was ever made by JYP Entertainment.

 

The main reason for the rumor's spread was that Stray Kids' contract renewal was approaching in 2024. K-pop groups often talk about the "seven-year problem," which was causing growing anxiety among fans. Since Reno was already over 25, speculation arose that he might enlist soon.

 

But in reality,
In fact, all members of Stray Kids have renewed their contracts in July 2024.
This makes it clear that the 2025 enlistment rumor was unrealistic.

 

 

 

 

3. South Korea's military service system and enlistment age standards

 

In South Korea, adult men are required to serve in the military and must undergo a physical examination when they turn 19. The results of the physical examination are categorized into grades 1 to 7, with grades 1 to 3 requiring men to enlist in the military as active duty soldiers and grade 4 requiring men to work in public institutions as social service personnel.

The duration of military service is determined as follows:

 

classification	period
Army and Marines	Approximately 18 months
navy	Approximately 20 months
air force	Approximately 21 months
social service personnel	Approximately 21 months

 

In principle, members must enlist by the age of 28, but in some cases, deferrals are granted for those who wish to continue their studies at graduate school or who have been granted the title of Persons of Cultural Merit, and this can be extended to 29 or even 30. This exception was also applied to BTS.

Since Reno is also an internationally active artist, there is a good chance that the period will be extended.

 

 

 

 

4. Predicting Reno's enlistment date from various angles

 

Reno was born in 1998, so under the current system, he would need to enlist by October 25, 2026.

However, in reality, there are three possible scenarios:

 

First This is the case where they will enlist in 2026 without any special extension. This is the most common scenario, but considering the scale of Stray Kids' activities and future schedule, it is unlikely.

 

Second This is a one-year postponement due to entering graduate school, etc. In this case, the enlistment deadline will be extended until October 2027.

The third possibility is that their cultural contributions as a global artist will be recognized and their status will be extended until the end of 2028. Considering Stray Kids' influence, this possibility is quite real.

 

Many K-pop experts and fan communities are predicting that the most realistic time for them to enlist is around autumn 2027. This is based on the fact that they have a large tour planned for 2026-2027, and that members have stated that "there is no indication that they will enlist anytime soon."

 

 

 

 

5. Predicted military service schedule for all Stray Kids members

 

Among Stray Kids, Bang Chan and Felix are exempt from military service due to their Australian citizenship, while the remaining six members are likely to enlist in order of age.

 

Below is the expected schedule for each member.

 

member	year of birth	Expected enlistment	Expected discharge
Reno	1998	Around September to October 2027	Around spring 2029
Changbin	1999	Around summer 2028	Early 2030
Hyunjin	March 2000	Around spring 2029	Around autumn 2030
Han	September 2000	Around autumn 2029	Around spring 2031
Seungmin	September 2000	Around autumn 2029	Around spring 2031
Aien	2001	Early 2030	Around summer 2031

 

If this prediction comes true, it is expected that Stray Kids will return as a complete group around 2031.

 

 

 

 

6. Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

Q1. Will Reno really enlist in the military in 2025?
→ The possibility is extremely low. The contract renewal has already been completed, so around 2027 is seen as the most realistic date.

 

 

Q2. Is this comeback your last one before your military service?
→ No such staging or statements have been seen, and it is believed that he will continue his activities for some time to come.

 

 

Q3. Will Stray Kids go on hiatus if Reno enlists?
→ Bang Chan and Felix are exempt from military service, so it is unlikely that they will take a complete hiatus. They may be doing more unit or solo activities.

 

 

Q4. Is there a possibility that a special exemption for military service will be applied?
→ Given the scale of global activities, there is a good chance that it will be applied.

 

 

 

 

7. Summary

 

The rumors that Reno will enlist in 2025 were little more than baseless rumors born out of concerns about his contract renewal.
Considering his age, military service law, and his activities, the most realistic time for him to enlist is around fall 2027. If special exceptions are applied, this could be extended to 2028.

 

Stray Kids has already established itself as a global boy band, and there are high hopes that they will return strong after their military service. Now is the time to support their current activities without worrying too much.

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