Monsta X's Enlistment Plans: Will They Serve Together?

The future of Monsta X, one of the most popular K-pop boy bands, hangs in the balance as each member approaches mandatory military service. While fans eagerly await news about the group's plans, experts predict that while not all at once, the members will likely fulfill their military obligations close to each other, maximizing solo promotions and international opportunities.

Why Enlistment Plans Might Be Spaced Out

Companies, including K-pop agencies, tend to spread out the enlistment of their entire groups. This strategy allows them to capitalize on solo promotions, chic clothing (CFs), and public appearances to keep earning revenue. Spacing out enlistments also facilitates the creation of subunits, which can expand market reach and audience appeal. For Monsta X, spreading out enlistments ensures that the group will still hold together to some extent, with members returning in rotation, thus maintaining fan engagement and stability.

Impending Enlistments: Key Members and Their Circumstances

Among the group's members, Show_one is the most imminent to face mandatory military service due to his Korean age of 29 coming up on June 16th. According to Korean military law, men must enlist before their 29th birthday to avoid facing severe penalties. This reality adds urgency to the situation and raises speculation about the timing of his enlistment.

Minhyuk, Hyungwon, and Kihyun, at 27, will also be facing their time to serve. Show_one's eye condition and Minhyuk's knee issue could influence their choices, as these health concerns might steer them towards certain types of service. While the band has not officially addressed their potential service plans, the inherent scheduled nature of military obligations suggests that they will likely undergo public service due to their medical conditions.

Timing and Considerations for Future Enlistments

While Jooheon, the youngest member, has until 2023, and Chankyun, the oldest, has until 2024, the band is likely to address these critical periods by spacing enlistments as closely as possible. The transition of members will be manageable if they are sent in groups or overlapping periods, ensuring that the group remains visible and active to fans.

However, it's also a possibility that the group might consider joint fan events during the enlisting timeframe to maintain engagement. These events could serve as a celebratory farewell or an exciting raconteur of their stay in the service, which could be a significant milestone for both the band and their fans.

Conclusion: Balancing Business and Fan Engagement

While it is highly unlikely that Monsta X will all enlist together, spaced-out enlistments will still impact the group's dynamics. The strategic timing of each member's enlistment will be pivotal to maintaining the group's commercial success and ensuring a smooth transition for both the band and their fans. With the impending service of Show_one and the looming enlistments of others, fans and industry experts alike will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.