SHINee’s Minho to enter Marines

SHINee’s Minho will begin his mandatory military service as part of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, his agency, SM Entertainment, announced Thursday.

“Minho applied to the Marine Corps in late January, and he was informed of his acceptance this morning,” said the agency.

“He will start his military duties from April 15, at the Marine Corps’ training camp located in Pohang, North Gyeongsang.”

Minho will release his first solo song before entering the military on March 28. The song is titled “I’m Home,” which comes as the ninth track revealed through the company’s digital music program “SM Station.”

He will meet with his fans on March 30 at the Hwajeong Stadium at Korea University, northern Seoul, as the grand finale of his Asian tour.

While he debuted as part of the five-member act SHINee in 2008 with “Replay” and has released a streak of hit songs since then, he has also actively pursued an acting career, featuring in a 2018 rom-com “The Princess and the Matchmaker” and “Illang: The Wolf Brigade.”

He also recently wrapped shooting for the upcoming film “Jangsa-ri 9.15.”

By Yoon So-yeon