Joohoney, or Lee Joo-heon, of K-pop boy group MONSTA X has officially started his mandatory military service on Monday, July 24.
While the exact time and location of his enlistment were kept private, the group’s official social media accounts also shared photos of MONSTA X members Hyungwon, Kihyun, Shownu, and I.M accompanying Joohoney in his enlistment.
“Going full of energy, I’ll come back healthy and safe,” the caption read.
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230724 #MONSTAXGoing full of energy,
I'll come back healthy and safe
On the day our comma continues,
let's meet again MONBEBE#JOOHONEY#MONSTA_X— 몬스타엑스_MONSTA X (@OfficialMonstaX) July 24, 2023
The idol first announced his plans about enlisting in early July, penning a message to their fans.
Joohoney assured their supporters that he’ll stay safe during his service and will return as a better person, adding that he looks forward to reuniting with both his members and Monbebes, their fans. “I’m not leaving forever, so please don’t worry about me,” Joohoney wrote then.
Prior to his enlistment on Monday, Joohoney also took to Instagram on Sunday, July 23, to share photos of his new buzz cut for military training. The singer shared several photos of himself posing with fellow MONSTA X member Hyungwon, as well as a snap of his discarded hair arranged in the shape of a heart.
230723 | #Jooheon #Joohoney | Instagram pic.twitter.com/GLrTA4IZ5d
— Monsta X translations (@GRRsubs) July 23, 2023
Joohoney is expected to complete his basic military training first before being deployed as an active-duty soldier. He will serve for 18 months and is expected to be discharged in January 2025.
Joohoney is the third member of MONSTA X to enlist in the military, following Shownu and Minhyuk. Shownu, who served as a public service worker, was discharged from the military in April, while Minhyuk enlisted in the same month as an active-duty soldier.
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.
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.
Even Joohoney also made his solo debut as an artist prior to his enlistment. He released the album Lights in May.
Featured image: MONSTA X’s Twitter