The K-Pop Group Gaining Attention As All The Members Will All Be Discharged From Their Military Service Together Within Just A Week

One of the hardest things about being a K-Pop fan is the inevitable realization that Korean male idols will have to enlist for their mandatory military service.

Yet, one group that has recently gained attention as their military service comes to an end is ONF.

The members of ONF | @WM_ONOFF/Twitter

While they have always been seen as one of the most underrated idol groups, the members gained attention after leader Hyojin announced that the group’s five Korean members had decided to enlist and complete their mandatory military service together.

Fans instantly found the benefits of going together from the minute they enlisted. While it’s not uncommon for idols to perform while serving, especially if they’re in the military band, all five members got to perform in front of fans!

ONF at the Gyeryong World Military Culture Expo | @ddochi_att/Twitter

Along with their own activities, including Hyojin’s regular performances, the five members performed multiple times together, singing their own songs.

221009 계룡군문화축제 버스킹
뷰티풀뷰티풀 – (2)#온앤오프 pic.twitter.com/a0K1CmE3oy

— 새하늘 (@NH_Fuse) October 9, 2022

221009 계룡군문화축제 버스킹
여름의 끝 – (2)#온앤오프 pic.twitter.com/irIlIXJpub

— 새하늘 (@NH_Fuse) October 9, 2022

Along with the ability to perform, it has meant a lot of differences from other idol groups.

In particular, one of the biggest differences is related to Twitter accounts updating fans on military progress. Most accounts for groups on military status will post about the members separately, but with ONF enlisting so close together, the account has been doing it collectively.

ONF enlistment is 79% complete. pic.twitter.com/oIKqOJmjAi

— ONF Military Updates (@onoffupdates) February 27, 2023

ONF enlistment is 82% complete. pic.twitter.com/rxdcIIxeug

— ONF Military Updates (@onoffupdates) March 13, 2023

On June 20, fans couldn’t hide their excitement when the update account shared the highly anticipated update… that the group’s enlistment was 99% complete!

ONF enlistment is 99% complete. pic.twitter.com/Vvktae51mf

— ONF Military Updates (@onoffupdates) June 19, 2023

After the tweet was shared of the members’ progress, the official ONF Twitter account posted photos of member MK who became the first member to finish their mandatory enlistment on June 20 (KST). As expected, the group’s “Happy Virus” looked full of joy as he stood proudly in his military uniform.

ONF’s MK after being discharged | @wm_on7off/Twitter | @wm_on7off/Twitter

There were also pictures with ONF’s youngest member U, who was the only one not to enlist due to being Japanese.

MK with youngest ONF member U | @wm_on7off/Twitter | @wm_on7off/Twitter

Following the photos being posted, ONF fans (FUSE) shared their excitement at the process of the members returning was becoming a reality.

Of course, a Korean ONF enlistment account shared the updated progress, and it gained attention immediately. The post explained that Hyojin and E-Tion had seven days left to go, J-US and Wyatt had six days to go, and MK had been released.

2023년 6월 20일 (화)

병장 김효진 전역까지 D-7일 남았습니다.
병장 이창윤 전역까지 D-7일 남았습니다.
병장 이승준 전역까지 D-6일 남았습니다.
병장 심재영 전역까지 D-6일 남았습니다.
온앤오프 MK 오늘 전역합니다. #온앤오프

— 온앤오프 전역일 카운트봇 (@ONF_D_day) June 19, 2023

When the photos and this particular tweet were posted on the Korean forum theqoo, netizens couldn’t hide their “envy” at what ONF had done. While it still felt like a long time since the members enlisted back in 2021, it wasn’t a case of waiting for them to return to continue activities.

| theqoo

• Wow, military discharge already… I’m not ready for their discharge concert yet.
• So jealous…
• Mwah
• Military service period felt short yet long! I’m happy!
• Wow, that’s crazy.

It will be interesting to see whether ONF’s decision and the positive aspects of that choice influence future idol groups to enlist together. While U held down the fort for the members, making it easier for the older members to go together, it was a smart decision.

You can read more about ONF’s decision below.

Is There Any Advantage To A “Whole Group Enlistment”? This Boy Group’s Fandom Says Absolutely Yes