Joohoney of K-pop boy group MONSTA X has announced that he will be starting his mandatory military service on July 24. 

In a handwritten letter posted on MONSTA X’s fan cafe on Tuesday, July 11, Joohoney opened up to MONBEBEs why he decided to share the news through an online post instead of revealing it during the group’s recently concluded fan concerts that were held on July 8 and 9. 

“I wanted MONBEBEs to smile and feel happy while watching me during our fan concert, and I wanted to see you all smiling like that. And I also wanted to make it possible for you all to feel that way,” he wrote, according to a translation by Soompi. 

He also assured his fans that he’ll stay safe during his service and will return as a better person. “I’m not leaving forever, so please don’t worry about me,” Joohoney wrote. 

“After I come back, I’ll show you more good things,” adding that he’s thankful for MONBEBEs for teaching him how to love. 

Joohoney, or Lee Joo-heon in real life, will be the third member of MONSTA X to enlist in the military following members Shownu and Minhyuk. Shownu was discharged from the military in April, while Minhyuk enlisted in the same month. 

Before his enlistment, Joohoney made his solo debut with the album Lights, which was released in May. 

With members enlisting in military services, MONSTA X has focused on solo and sub-unit activities: I.M made his solo comeback in June with the mini-album Overdrive, while members Shownu and Hyungwon are set to make their sub-unit debut on July 25 with The Unseen. 

Composed of Shownu, Minhyuk, Hyungwon, Joohoney, Kihyun, and I.M, MONSTA X made their debut in May 2015. The group is known for their hits “Love Killa,” “Hero,” “Shoot Out,” “Dramarama,” “Gambler,” and “Beautiful Liar.” Their last full comeback was in January with the mini-album Reason. 

Featured image: MONSTA X’s Facebook