NCT’s Jaehyun Returns After Military Duty

The K-pop idol, known for his work in NCT 127 and his various solo projects, concluded his service in the Army military band today. 

Jaehyun is the second member of NCT to complete his national defense duty, following group leader Taeyong, who was discharged in December 2025. Throughout his 18-month tenure, Jaehyun’s service in a special assignment unit allowed him to utilize his performance skills, maintaining a connection to his professional background.

Fans celebrated the milestone across social media with commemorative hashtags such as #WelcomeBack_Jaehyun, while sharing nostalgic edits and countdowns. Highlighting the close-knit bonds within the industry, BTS’s Jungkook reportedly showed support by engaging with online content marking the discharge, a gesture fans interpreted as a nod to their well-known ’97-liner friendship. 

Looking Ahead to Future Projects
As Jaehyun transitions back into his career, anticipation is building regarding his next moves in both group and solo capacities. 
With other members of NCT currently navigating the staggered enlistment cycle—including Doyoung and Jungwoo, who entered service in December 2025—Jaehyun’s return provides a significant morale boost for the group’s fanbase. Industry observers note that his return is expected to reignite activities for NCT 127, with fans closely watching for official announcements regarding upcoming music or acting projects. His completion of duty marks another step in NCT’s transition into a post-enlistment phase, keeping the group active despite the ongoing commitments of other members. 
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Author: Leesung Kim