South Korean singer-songwriter WOODZ, also known as Cho Seung Youn, has shared the news of his upcoming military enlistment. 

On Sunday, December 10, the former X1 and UNIQ member disclosed that he is scheduled to commence his military service on January 22, 2024. In a personal message to his devoted fanbase, MOODZ, the idol expressed his sentiments about the approaching enlistment. 

“My military enlistment, which had always seemed so far away, has now arrived. And it feels like I’ve been thinking about my enlistment since last year,” he shared, according to a translation by Soompi. 

In his letter, the singer acknowledged the inevitability of this chapter. Despite this, he emphasized his commitment to fulfill his duties as Cho Seung Youn, distancing himself temporarily from the WOODZ persona.

Reflecting on nearly a decade in the entertainment industry since his debut, WOODZ expressed gratitude for the invaluable memories created with MOODZ. With this, he left a promise to his fans. 

“I’ll come back even healthier, so please stay happy and healthy without getting sick, wherever you are. Once again, thank you to MOODZ for always giving me strength and giving me more love than I deserve,” he said. 

Moreover, South Korean media is reporting that he’ll be serving in the military band. 

Serve well, WOODZ! 

Notably, the enlistment announcement coincided with WOODZ’s ongoing “OO-LI and” world tour.

Despite his imminent departure, he has also confirmed the release of a new digital single titled “AMNESIA,” a song he debuted during his concerts. The single is slated for online release on December 18, adding a poignant note to his musical journey before his military service begins.

To recall, WOODZ gained prominence as a member of the South Korean-Chinese boy band UNIQ, formed under Yuehua Entertainment in 2014. Following the group’s hiatus in 2018, WOODZ ventured into the solo arena. In 2019, he participated in the survival show Produce X 101, where he finished as fifth place. Said show formed the short-lived boy group X1, which disbanded in early 2020 due to vote-rigging allegations.

In a significant career move in October 2022, WOODZ transitioned from Yuehua to EDAM Entertainment.

Throughout his career, the singer-songwriter has demonstrated artistic exploration, experimenting with diverse musical styles and concepts. With his distinctive versatility, fans eagerly anticipate the unveiling of his future endeavors.

Featured image: EDAM Entertainment shares photo of the idol from a pictorial shoot. Credit: Twitter/WOODZ