NCT’s Jaehyun Officially Discharged From Military Service
NCT Jaehyun military discharge May 3 2026
Jaehyun, the celebrated vocalist and actor from the K-pop powerhouse NCT, was officially discharged from his mandatory military service today, Sunday, May 3, 2026. After enlisting on November 4, 2024, Jaehyun completed 18 months of active duty as a member of the Republic of Korea Army’s military band. His return marks a significant milestone for the group, as he becomes the second member of NCT to complete his service, following the return of leader Taeyong in December 2025.
According to official reports from Star News Korea, Jaehyun was greeted by a small gathering of fans and fellow member Doyoung, who is currently serving in the same unit and appeared briefly to celebrate the occasion. During his tenure in the military band, Jaehyun remained active in various performance-related duties, often appearing in official military events that allowed fans to catch occasional glimpses of his progress.
Before his enlistment, the 29-year-old artist had established a strong solo presence with the release of his debut studio album, J, and his leading role in the mystery-thriller film 6 Hours Later, You Will Die. As reported by Gulf News, his discharge has been one of the most anticipated events for the global NCTzen fandom in 2026, with the hashtag #WelcomeBackJaehyun trending worldwide within minutes of the news.
With Jaehyun’s return, industry analysts expect a swift resumption of his solo activities and potential preparations for NCT 127 projects. While members Doyoung and Jungwoo are not scheduled for discharge until June 2027, Jaehyun’s presence is seen as a vital anchor for the group’s “post-enlistment era.” OSEN noted that the singer is expected to undergo a brief period of rest before engaging in official schedules. As the “Class of 2026” returning idols continues to grow, Jaehyun’s homecoming sets a hopeful tone for a new chapter in his career, both as a global music icon and a versatile actor.
