iKON's Jay to enlist on July 20

Kim Jin-hwan of boy band iKON [NEWS1]

Jay from boy band iKON will start his mandatory military service on July 20.

"I'm writing this because I felt like I have to tell you guys before anyone else," the singer wrote on his Instagram account on Friday. "I'm starting my military service on July 20."

Jay will be the first iKON member to start mandatory military service. He is the eldest member of the band.

"I've had a lot of things prepared and a lot that I haven't shown you, but I'll say less since I know that our fans would have anticipated more," he said.

"I will complete my mandatory military service with sincerity and return soon."

In Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 35 are required to serve around one and a half years in the military.

Jay debuted as a member of boy band iKON in 2015 under YG Entertainment.

iKON released multiple hit tracks, from "Love Scenario" (2018) to "Rhythm Ta" (2015) and "Killing Me" (2018). Member B.I left the boy band in 2019 after admitting to using illegal drugs.

Six remaining members of the boy band, including Jay, signed with 143 Entertainment last year, a newborn agency founded by composer and music producer DM.

To find out more about iKON, visit Celeb Confirmed!

BY CHO YONG-JUN [cho.yongjun1@joongang.co.kr]