Kim Jinhwan, or also known as Jay, of K-pop boy group iKON has started his mandatory military service on Thursday, July 20. 

After entering the training center, Jay will undergo basic military training for several weeks, before he can serve as an alternative social worker. 

The vocalist first announced his plans to enlist in early July, taking to Instagram to pen a message to his fans. 

“I will diligently fulfill my duty and return quickly, so let’s find strength while thinking of each other, and please be well,” he promised them, according to a translation by Soompi. 

Days before his enlistment, Jay also shared a photo of him with a shaved head. 

Born in 1994, Jay is the first member of iKON to enlist in the military. 

Prior to his enlistment, Jay also made his debut as a solo artist in June by releasing his album Paradise Pt. 1. Meanwhile, the second part of the album, titled Blue Moon, was released on July 18 — two days before Jay’s enlistment. 

Composed of Bobby, DK, Chan, Ju-ne, Jay, and Song, iKON debuted in September 2015 under YG Entertainment. They left the agency in December 2022 and signed with 143 Entertainment. 

iKON made their group comeback in January with the album TAKE OFF. It’s also the title of their upcoming world tour, which will include shows around Asia, Europe, and the United States. 

Jay was able to take part in the TAKE OFF concert in Osaka, Japan that happened on July 8 and 9, but would be missing the rest of the shows because of military service. 

Featured image: iKON Jay’s Twitter