Seventeen's Vernon begins mandatory military service

Vernon, 28, of the K-pop group Seventeen, entered a military training center Thursday to begin his mandatory service.

According to the music industry, Vernon will complete basic military training before serving as a social service worker.

Vernon debuted as a rapper with Seventeen in 2015 and has since been active both with the full group and in unit projects. He and fellow member The8 released a mini-album in June under the unit name V8.

Also on Thursday at 6 p.m., Vernon released a solo single dedicated to fans titled "I'll Be Back." The electronic track, which showcases a pop sensibility, was written and composed by Vernon.

He was elevated to full membership in the Korea Music Copyright Association in 2024 and last year became a voting member of the Recording Academy, which selects Grammy Award recipients.

Vernon holds dual citizenship — his father is Korean and his mother is a French-American. Born in Manhattan, New York, he is subject to South Korea's mandatory military service requirement because he did not renounce his Korean citizenship.

Meanwhile, Seventeen is currently on a hiatus as several members serve in the military. Wonwoo is serving as a social service worker, while Hoshi and Woozi are on active duty in the Army. Dokyeom is set to enlist on Sept. 8. Leader S.Coups was exempted from service due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament, and Jeonghan was discharged in June, becoming the first member of the group to complete his military service.