K-Pop Idol JD1 to Enlist in Marines at 18, a Month Before His 19th Birthday
K-pop idol JD1 (Jung Dongwon) will reportedly enlist in the Marine Corps in February 2026 at age 18, a rare early move that challenges the industry norm of enlisting in the late 20s.
While most K-pop stars push enlistment to their late 20s, one is reportedly going at 18. According to industry sources, AI idol JD1 (also known as Jung Dongwon) is set to trade the stage for the barracks, joining the notoriously tough Marine Corps.
Music industry sources revealed on December 24th that JD1 will enlist on February 23, 2026, immediately after his high school graduation, as reported by OSEN. Born on March 19, 2007, his enlistment will come just a month shy of his 19th birthday.
A Long-Held Ambition
JD1 first rose to fame at the age of 13 on the popular variety show 'Mr. Trot'. He later ventured into the K-pop scene in 2024. His decision to enlist isn't a sudden one; he has publicly expressed his desire to join the Marine Corps for some time.
This past June, he shared on his YouTube channel that he had received his military service examination notice and even met with Marine Corps veteran singer Oh Jong Hyuk for advice. "Since I was born a man, I want to serve honorably," JD1 stated, citing his grandfather and father, who served in the elite 707 Special Mission Unit, as inspirations.
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