Kang Daniel Military Enlistment February 2026: A Bittersweet 'Study Abroad' Pause

Nine years after his explosive debut, Kang Daniel is preparing for a new chapter. He'll enlist as an active-duty soldier in the Army on February 9, marking the first official hiatus in his career since the Wanna One era began in 2017.

Kang Daniel Military Enlistment February 2026: Detailed Plans for the Future

According to OSEN, the multi-talented artist has been approaching his enlistment with a calm and proactive mindset. During interviews for his fifth mini-album ACT in 2024, he expressed his commitment to working hard until the very last moment. True to his word, he released a special album last December and recently concluded his fan concert, 2025 KANGDANIEL FAN CONCERT [RUNWAY : WALK TO DANIEL], as a final farewell to his fans.

Kang Daniel famously likened his military service to "studying abroad" next year, a humorous metaphor that showcased his positive outlook. He's already prepared several songs to be released during his absence and has mapped out his comeback strategy for after his discharge.

The Wanna One Reunion Reality Show

Adding to the emotional weight of his enlistment is the highly anticipated Wanna One reunion. For the first time in seven years, the group is coming together for a reality show. Kang Daniel will participate in the filming before he heads to the training center, bringing his journey full circle from his Produce 101 Season 2 roots.