SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu has officially unveiled his buzz cut as he prepares to begin his mandatory military service, giving CARATs an emotional glimpse of the idol just before he steps away from group activities.
Mingyu shared photos of his freshly shaved hairstyle on Instagram on Wednesday, September 9, just one day before the start of his military service. The dramatic change immediately caught fans’ attention, coming shortly after he first appeared publicly with a much shorter hairstyle at an event in Seoul.
But behind the viral haircut was a more emotional farewell.
In a message posted on Weverse, Mingyu told CARATs that he would begin his service the following day and promised to return safely and in good health.
He also admitted that although he was not particularly worried about the period of service ahead, being unable to see fans for some time would be one of the most difficult parts.
“Carats, I’m starting my service tomorrow, too! Hehe. I’ll serve well and come back healthy,” Mingyu said in his message, while encouraging fans to continue enjoying their days and supporting the other SEVENTEEN members.
MINGYU’S SERVICE WILL BE ALTERNATIVE MILITARY SERVICE
According to PLEDIS Entertainment’s official announcement, Mingyu will begin his military service on September 10, 2026, through alternative service.
The agency clarified that there will be no official event on the day his service begins and no public ceremony when he later reports to the training center. PLEDIS also specifically asked fans not to visit the location of his alternative service.
The request is intended to protect Mingyu’s privacy while also preventing disruption at a workplace where other personnel may be carrying out their duties.
Once his service begins, Mingyu will not be able to participate in SEVENTEEN’s regular group activities. However, PLEDIS said the members have prepared various content in advance so they can continue connecting with CARATs during their military-service period.
MINGYU IS THE LATEST SEVENTEEN MEMBER TO BEGIN SERVICE
Mingyu’s departure comes during an especially significant period for SEVENTEEN.
Fellow member Vernon began his alternative service on August 20, while DK started his military service on September 8. Mingyu’s service follows just two days after DK’s departure.
Seungkwan and Dino are also scheduled to begin their military service on October 26, when they will serve as members of the Army’s military band.
The group is therefore navigating a major transition as an increasing number of members temporarily step away to fulfill their military obligations.
SEVENTEEN has already seen Jeonghan complete his military service, while Wonwoo, Hoshi and Woozi have been fulfilling their respective duties. Joshua, Jun and The8 are not required to undertake South Korea’s mandatory military service because they are not South Korean citizens.
A TEMPORARY GOODBYE, NOT THE END OF SEVENTEEN
Despite the growing number of members entering military service, the group’s long-term future remains intact.
In July, PLEDIS announced that all 13 SEVENTEEN members had renewed their contracts, reinforcing the group’s commitment to continuing together and eventually resuming full-group activities after the members complete their respective military obligations.
For CARATs, however, Mingyu’s buzz cut marks another emotional milestone.
From his newly shaved hairstyle to his heartfelt message, the idol’s final moments before beginning service have given fans a bittersweet reminder that another chapter of SEVENTEEN’s military era is now underway.
And as Mingyu begins his service on September 10, CARATs will have to wait for the day the familiar SEVENTEEN lineup can once again stand together onstage.
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