VERIVERY fans received bittersweet news as Jellyfish Entertainment confirmed that member Hoyoung will be enlisting for mandatory military service. The announcement, made on November 17, marks a significant transition for the 27-year-old idol who has been on temporary hiatus since October 2023 due to mental health concerns.
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Hoyoung’s Military Enlistment: Essential Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bae Ho Young |
| Position in VERIVERY | Main Dancer, Lead Rapper |
| Birth Date | August 10, 1998 (Age 27) |
| Group Debut | January 9, 2019 |
| Agency | Jellyfish Entertainment |
| Hiatus Start | October 30, 2023 |
| Hiatus Reason | Psychological anxiety and mental health |
| Enlistment Announcement | November 17, 2025 |
| Service Type | Mandatory military service (18-21 months) |
A Journey of Healing Before Service
Hoyoung’s path to enlistment has been marked by courage and transparency. In October 2023, Jellyfish Entertainment announced that the idol would take a temporary hiatus after seeking medical attention for symptoms of psychological anxiety. The agency’s statement emphasized prioritizing his health and well-being, stating that medical professionals recommended sufficient rest and stability.
This decision to openly address mental health struggles resonated with many fans and highlighted the K-pop industry’s gradual shift toward acknowledging psychological well-being. For over two years, Hoyoung focused on recovery, demonstrating that taking care of mental health is just as important as fulfilling professional obligations.
For more on how K-pop idols are navigating mental health discussions, check out our comprehensive guide on idol wellness and industry changes.
Hoyoung’s Role in VERIVERY
As VERIVERY’s main dancer and lead rapper, Hoyoung brought unique energy to the seven-member group. Born in Cheongju and fluent in English after living in New Zealand for 10 years, he served as the group’s primary English spokesperson during international promotions. His New Zealand accent and bilingual abilities made him a vital bridge between VERIVERY and their global fanbase.
Known affectionately as the “Mom” of VERIVERY, Hoyoung’s caring nature and cooking skills endeared him to both members and fans. His signature left cheek dimple, close friendship with same-age member Minchan, and playful personality contributed to the group’s dynamic chemistry.
VERIVERY debuted on January 9, 2019, under Jellyfish Entertainment with their first mini-album “Veri-Us.” The self-producing group has built a reputation for creative music videos and diverse musical concepts, with Hoyoung contributing to producing and lyric writing for several tracks.
VERIVERY’s Military Service Timeline
Hoyoung becomes the second VERIVERY member to enlist. Leader Dongheon enlisted first on August 28, 2023, as an active duty soldier in the 102nd Armored Brigade and was discharged on February 27, 2025. With Hoyoung’s upcoming enlistment and member Minchan also on hiatus since December 2022 for health reasons, VERIVERY currently has limited active members.
The group’s situation reflects the challenges many K-pop groups face as members fulfill their mandatory military obligations. South Korean men between ages 18-28 must complete approximately 18-21 months of service, depending on their assignment. For comprehensive insights on military service’s impact on K-pop groups, visit our analysis on K-pop and mandatory enlistment.
What’s Next for VERIVERY?
Despite the challenges, VERIVERY’s remaining active members—Yeonho and Yongseung—have continued representing the group. In October 2025, five active members (Dongheon, Gyehyeon, Yeonho, Yongseung, and Kangmin) renewed their contracts with Jellyfish Entertainment, extending past their original 2026 contract end date. This demonstrates the members’ commitment to VERIVERY’s future despite the current temporary separations.
The contract renewals signal that VERIVERY will reunite as a complete group once all members complete their military service and health-related hiatuses. Fans eagerly await the day when all seven members can perform together again.
Stay updated with all the latest K-pop enlistment news, group updates, and comeback announcements at TechnoSports.
FAQs
When will Hoyoung return from military service?
While Jellyfish Entertainment announced Hoyoung’s enlistment on November 17, 2025, the exact enlistment date and projected discharge date haven’t been publicly specified yet. Typically, South Korean mandatory military service lasts 18-21 months depending on the branch and assignment. Based on standard service lengths, fans can expect Hoyoung to return sometime between mid-2027 and early 2028. The agency will likely share more specific timeline details closer to his actual enlistment date.
What happened to Hoyoung’s mental health and is he recovered now?
In October 2023, Jellyfish Entertainment announced that Hoyoung was taking a hiatus due to psychological anxiety after consulting with medical professionals who recommended rest and stability. The fact that he’s now proceeding with military enlistment suggests he’s made significant progress in his recovery over the past two years. However, the agency hasn’t released specific updates about his current health status. Military service can be demanding, but the decision to enlist indicates medical clearance. Fans continue supporting his well-being and respecting his privacy regarding personal health matters.
