Baekho, the former lead singer of boy band NU’EST, enlisted in the South Korean army on Monday, entering the Nonsan Army training center in southern Chungcheong province.
The 30-year-old singer, whose real name is Kang Dong-ho, will undergo basic military training before starting active duty as an army soldier. His agency, Prismfilter, did not hold a separate official enlistment event and asked fans to refrain from visiting the training center, as it hosts many soldiers and their families.
In the declaration released before his enlistment, Prismfilter called for the public’s support for Baekho as he fulfills his military obligation.
“We ask for your warm encouragement and continued love until the day he fulfills his duty to the nation and returns to good health,” the agency said.
Baekho made his last public appearance on the morning of his enlistment, when he joined MBC FM4U’s morning radio show “Good Morning FM with Tei”. During the broadcast, he discussed his feelings about joining the military.
“I couldn’t sleep well. I feel like I only half slept,” Baekho shared with DJ Tei. “Even while I was sleeping, I kept thinking, ‘I should sleep more soundly.'”
The singer spoke positively about his preparation for military training, saying he was not worried about future physical demands. However, he joked about what would happen once he finished basic training.
“The only thing that worries me is that after training I want to go home, take a shower and sleep, but they won’t let me go home,” he said, laughing.
DJ Tei praised Baekho’s mental strength for appearing on a broadcast on the day of his enlistment. Baekho responded by explaining that he wanted to fill his schedule completely before leaving.
Baekho debuted with IT IS NOT in 2012 and became known for his powerful voice. He has also undertaken solo activities and acting since the group’s NU’EST activities were suspended. Earlier this year in March, he left his longtime agency, Pledis Entertainment, after 13 years and signed with Prismfilter. Under his new label, he released a single album called “Rush Mode” in November 2025.
Fans can send messages of support to Baekho through Weverse, the agency said.
