Another 97-Liner Idol Hints At Enlisting Earlier Than Expected

For many male K-Pop idols, enlistment will happen at one point in their career. Though it can happen at any point, most idols will delay their enlistment as late as possible before beginning their service to continue their work.

BTS’s Jin

However, recently, a member of the 97-liners friend group hinted at making an enlistment earlier than expected.

The ’97-liners are a group of male K-Pop idols born in 1997 and are friends. The group includes BTS‘s Jungkook, ASTRO‘s Cha Eunwoo, GOT7‘s Yugyeom and BamBam, SEVENTEEN‘s Mingyu, and NCT‘s Jaehyun.

(From left) Cha Eunwoo, Jungkook, Mingyu, Yugyeom | @BTS_twt/Twitter

This year, many idols born in 1995 enlisted, and it is believed that many born in 1996 will enlist in 2025 and those born in 1997 in 2026. Despite this timing, more than one 97-liner began their service earlier than expected.

Jungkook enlisted in December 2023 and will be released in 2025.

BTS’s Jimin (left) and Jungkook (right) | @bts_twt/X

NCT’s Jaehyun also enlisted earlier than many fans expected due to alleged age constraints to joining the military band.

Now, it seems GOT7’s Yugyeom might be the next to start his service.

GOT7’s Yugyeom | @yugyeom/Instagram

Since GOT7’s departure from JYP Entertainment in 2021 the group has largely focused on solo activities, in part due to the enlistment of members Jay B and Jinyoung.

Yugyeom is currently on his 2024 Trusty Tour and has traveled to locations in Asia and Australia so far.

On November 1, the idol performed in Sydney, Australia, where he surprised fans during a moment of the show. While speaking, Yugyeom promised to come back for another performance, saying it would likely be in two years “because you know, in Korea,” seeming to hint at enlistment.

다시 오겠다고 하는데… 2년 정도.. 걸린데………. 이 얘기가 왜 지금 여기서 나오는거지 유겸씨…? 🫡 https://t.co/NabPCfpFjw pic.twitter.com/aERxYhaYn0

— jas 🫧 (@mindellay) November 1, 2024

As a 97-liner, Yugyeom’s enlistment was not anticipated to happen until 2026, meaning that if he were to be able to return in two years, he would be beginning his service earlier than expected. An early enlistment also seems likely for many fans, as GOT7’s Youngjae will be expected to start his next year.

Fans reacted with surprise to the possibility, commenting on the situation.

ALL OF YOU SHUT UP WHY IS YUGYEOM SAYING HES GONNA ENLIST EARLY LIKE WHY THE HELL

— RENA DAY (@wonucnvs) November 1, 2024

whats up with the 97 line friend group and why are they all enlisting earlier than expected https://t.co/Qb7KIbbPZe pic.twitter.com/V8jotTZiBx

— 🍀 (@happyoddyear) November 1, 2024

Ok that's better than waiting longer for GOT7 to finish enlistment era. Doesn't mean it won't make me sad though 😭🤧🥺 https://t.co/G58evfkcw5

— lui🍑ᵖᵉᵃᶜʰʸᵇⁱᵗᶜʰʸʷⁱᵗᶜʰʸ🐢 | ia (@lrlrui_) November 2, 2024