SEOUL — A long-awaited reunion is finally here for THE BOYZ fans as Sangyeon has completed his mandatory military service and returned to civilian life, marking a major milestone for the K-pop group’s leader.
Sangyeon, whose real name is Lee Sang-yeon, was discharged on September 16, 2026, after completing approximately 18 months of mandatory service. He served as a member of the military band at the Army Cadet Military School in Goesan, North Chungcheong Province, and completed his service at the rank of Army sergeant, according to The Korea Times.
His return makes Sangyeon the first member of THE BOYZ to complete military service, giving fans a significant moment to celebrate after more than a year of waiting.
From THE BOYZ leader to military band member
Sangyeon enlisted on March 17, 2025, becoming the first THE BOYZ member to begin mandatory military service. His enlistment coincided with the release of the group’s third studio album, “Unexpected,” making the date an especially notable one in the group’s timeline.
Rather than stepping completely away from music, Sangyeon continued his musical activities through his military-band assignment.
Reports from Korean entertainment media noted that he progressed through military ranks during his service before completing his duty this week. Star News Korea also identified him as the group’s first enlisted member to officially finish his term.
Fans welcome a familiar face back
For THE BOYZ fandom, Sangyeon’s discharge represents more than simply the end of a military obligation. It opens the door to his gradual return to the entertainment industry after an extended absence.
Military service is a major interruption in the schedules of many South Korean male entertainers, with idols commonly putting group promotions and individual projects on hold while completing their legal obligations.
Sangyeon’s return therefore comes at a time when fans are closely watching what comes next for THE BOYZ and its individual members.
A new chapter for THE BOYZ
Sangyeon’s return also arrives during a complicated period in THE BOYZ’s history.
The group underwent major changes after its 2025 activities, including the departure of Ju Haknyeon, while subsequent reports indicated disputes involving members and their agency. Those developments have added uncertainty around the group’s future lineup and activities.
Against that backdrop, Sangyeon’s return gives fans another major development to follow — although there has been no confirmed announcement in the sources reviewed here of a specific new group comeback date tied to his discharge.
That distinction matters: Sangyeon’s military service is officially complete, but his next entertainment schedule should not be assumed until it is announced by the relevant agency or the artist.
The wait is over — but what comes next?
After 18 months away from his regular entertainment career, Sangyeon now begins the next phase of his journey.
For fans who watched him leave for military service in March 2025, his September 2026 discharge closes one chapter and potentially begins another.
The big question now is not whether Sangyeon is coming back — he is already back — but what his first major move after military service will be.
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