Changjo of K-pop boy group TEEN TOP has announced that he will be starting his mandatory military service on November 20.
On Tuesday, October 24, his agency Beat Interactive confirmed the news.
“Changjo recently passed the Military Manpower Administration’s Special Service, and he plans to faithfully perform his national defense duties as a member of the Army’s military band after finishing basic military training,” the label said, according to a Soompi translation.
[#JONGHYUN_NEWS]🗞️
최종현(틴탑 창조), 11월 20일 군악대 입대 [공식입장]https://t.co/Swu658LttZ#창조 #최종현#CHOIJONGHYUN #CHANGJO
— BEAT INTERACTIVE (@BEATINT0505) October 24, 2023
Additionally, the agency announced that no official events will take place in line with Changjo’s enlistment. Moreover, they also didn’t disclose the exact location and time for it for everyone’s safety.
He will be the third Teen Top member to enlist in the military following Chungji and Ricky.
In a handwritten letter posted on his Instagram, Changjo, whose real name is Choi Jong-hyun, also told fans about his military enlistment plans.
“Maybe it’s because I’ve been mentally preparing as I watched the members go through their own enlistments, I find myself actually feeling excited and a bit nervous,” the TEEN TOP member said.
Furthermore, he also assured his fans that he’ll stay safe during his service and will return as a better person. “Through this upcoming military service, my goal is to return as someone even stronger, healthier, and more mature for my fans who have continually supported me,” he wrote.
Notably, he also concluded his message with his possible discharge date. “Let’s meet again in good health with smiles on our faces on May 19, 2025,” he said.
231024 [INSTAGRAM]
@/t.changjo: Hello Angels and Jellies!
I’m Choi Jonghyun (TEEN TOP Changjo).As I promote from our debut in the year 2010 to the current year 2023,
Among all the messages I wrote to everyone,
This one is the most… I would say nerve-wracking one for me!— sijie 쓰지에🐿️ (@onlychanhee) October 24, 2023
As a treat to his fans, he’ll hold his first solo fan meeting on November 18 titled Jonghyun’s Birthday Party.
Look back on the idol career of Changjo
Changjo made his debut as the youngest member of Teen Top in 2010. Initially a six-piece act, L.Joe left the group in February 2017 while C.A.P left in May 2023.
In January 2022, Changjo didn’t renew his contract with TOP Media but remained to be part of TEEN TOP. The group is known for hit songs “To You”, “Miss Right”, and “Crazy.”
After his exit from TOP Media, Changjo signed with Beat Interactive in June 2023.
In July 2023, Teen Top made their first comeback in over four years as a quartet.
푸른나무재단 홍보대사 TEEN TOP💜
대한민국 비폭력 캠페인 '우리 가치! 우리 함께하장(場)'에서 여러분들과 함께해서 즐거웠습니다!🙌#틴탑 #TEENTOP #푸른코끼리 #푸른나무재단 pic.twitter.com/jkAUfMh2K2
— 틴탑(TEEN TOP) (@TEEN_TOP) May 13, 2023
Outside of his activities in Teen Top, the idol is also an accomplished actor. He is best known for his roles in TV shows Sweden Laundry and My Brother Disappeared. In 2015, he took on a lead role in the movie Mak Girls.
Featured image: BEAT Interactive shares a behind-the-scene photo from Changjo’s promotional activities. Credit: Twitter/BEAT Interactive