Seventeen sets K-pop record in Japan as Seungkwan, Dino to enlist together in October

Members of Seventeen, who recently set a new K-pop record in the Japanese music market, will begin their mandatory military service in succession.

Pledis Entertainment announced Monday through fan platform Weverse that Seungkwan and Dino will enlist together as Army band soldiers on Oct. 26. Mingyu will begin alternative service as a social service worker on Sept. 10.

The agency said no official events would be held on enlistment day or at their duty stations, and asked fans to refrain from visiting for safety reasons. The members plan to fulfill all scheduled commitments before their enlistment dates.

With the three members' enlistment confirmed, all Seventeen members except S.Coups — who received a military exemption — and those holding foreign citizenship (Joshua, Jun and The8) will have fulfilled their military obligations.

Seventeen, whose consistent album sales have kept the group at the forefront of the industry, recently made history in Japan as well.

According to the Recording Industry Association of Japan, the group's Japanese best album "Always Yours," released in 2023, surpassed 1 million copies in cumulative shipments as of July, earning a Gold Disc "Million" certification.

The certification is Seventeen's fourth Million honor in Japan, following their first Japanese EP "Dream," mini album "FML" and mini album "Seventeenth Heaven." According to Hybe Japan, this is the most Million certifications any K-pop artist has ever achieved. The group also holds the distinction of being the only K-pop act to surpass 1 million copies in domestic shipments in Japan with a Korean album since the 2000s.

Through their agency, Seventeen said they were "deeply honored and grateful to share yet another piece of good news," adding, "We will continue to repay your support with diverse activities, and we ask for your unwavering encouragement."