SHINee’s Minho, Infinite’s Dong-woo officially discharged from Korean military today

K-pop groups SHINee’s Minho, 28, and Infinite’s Dong-woo, 29, were officially discharged today, Nov. 15, from the military after serving for one year and seven months.

The two K-pop stars enlisted on April 15, 2019 with Minho serving in the Marine Corps and Dong-woo as an active duty soldier in the army.

Due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, recruits including Minho and Dong-woo were not allowed to take their vacation to prevent any transmission.

Minho, who debuted in SHINee in 2008, served in the 1st Marine Division, becoming the third member of SHINee to enlist after Onew, who was discharged last July, and Key, who finished his military service last month.

Starting last Oct. 27, Minho could have used his 20 days of vacation until his discharge on Nov. 15. Instead, the Marine Corps said Minho stayed in the base for his final training.

“Soldiers who could not use their day-offs due to the COVID-19 pandemic can use about a month of the days and discharge from the military without returning to the base. Despite the fact that MINHO could make use of this, he decided to stay at the base for his final training instead of discharging 20 days early,” the Marine Corps posted on Instagram, SBS News reported.

It added, “Minho was supposed to take his final leave on October 27, and complete his military duty at home on November 15. Instead of doing this though, MINHO said he wanted to take part in the training program for the last time.”

“Even though Minho joined the Marine Corps at a relatively late age in April last year, he was highly praised by his superiors for his exemplary military life and bright personality. You are amazing. We’ll always be rooting for you, Minho!” the Marine Corps added.

Dong-woo, who debuted in Infinite in 2010, enlisted at the army boot camp in Cheorwon in Gangwon province and served in the 6th Infantry Division

He took his last vacation as a soldier on Oct. 23 and was officially discharged on Nov. 15 without returning to the army due to COVID-19 measures.