If you’ve been scouring the internet trying to figure out exactly when Ian is finishing his military service, you aren’t alone. The K-pop world and the broader Korean entertainment scene have a funny way of making eighteen months feel like a decade. You’re sitting there, scrolling through old fan-cams or re-watching music videos, just waiting for that discharge notification to hit your phone.
But here is the thing: "Ian" is a popular name. Depending on who you're looking for—whether it's an idol, a soloist, or a member of a group that’s been flying under the radar—the answer changes.
The Mystery of the Military Discharge Date
When does Ian come back from the army? Honestly, the answer depends entirely on which Ian we are talking about. In the industry right now, there isn't one singular "Ian" who is the "main" focus of enlistment news like, say, the BTS members were last year. However, there are a few key figures people often confuse or check up on when they search for this.
Most people asking this right now are usually looking for Jeong I-an (often just called Ian), or perhaps they’ve confused the name with another idol like DPR IAN, who—wait for it—actually doesn't have to serve.
Let's clear the air.
If you are looking for DPR IAN (Christian Yu), he is Australian. He doesn't have a South Korean enlistment requirement. You can breathe. He isn't going anywhere unless he's going on tour.
Breaking Down the Timeline
For those who are actually in the service, the standard timeline in South Korea is usually between 18 and 21 months. It’s a long time.
- Active Duty Army: 18 months.
- Navy: 20 months.
- Air Force: 21 months.
- Social Service: 21 months.
Basically, if someone enlists in early 2025, they aren't seeing the light of civilian life until late 2026.
💡 You might also like: Jayla Foxx: Popeyes Forever and the Viral Moment That Won't Quit
Why the Confusion Happens
K-pop fans are notorious for having "enlistment anxiety." It's a real thing. You see a member of a group like Stray Kids or Seventeen start their service, and suddenly every name in the "lineup" starts getting Googled.
Take Jeong I-an from the group GreatGuys. He enlisted in late 2024. For him, the countdown is very much on. If you're a Grace (his fandom), you're looking at a return date around mid-to-late 2026.
The "Stray Kids Ian" Rumor
There is no Ian in Stray Kids. I know, I know—sometimes nicknames or western names get tossed around in fanfics or inside jokes. People sometimes search for "Ian" when they are actually thinking of I.N (Yang Jeong-in).
As of early 2026, I.N has not enlisted yet. He’s the maknae (youngest), meaning he has the most time left before the government comes knocking. Usually, the 1998 and 1999 liners go first. Since I.N was born in 2001, he’s still got some runway.
What Happens When They Return?
The comeback is usually a whirlwind. Usually, idols do a "V Live" (or a Weverse live these days) within hours of walking out the gate. They look a bit different—shorter hair, maybe a bit more muscular, or just tired.
But they don't jump into music immediately.
Usually, there is a "re-adjustment" period. They have to practice. Their vocals might be rusty. They have to learn the choreography for the stuff the group did while they were gone.
How to Track Your Favs
If you want to stay updated on the exact day, hour, and minute, don't rely on random rumors. There are actual apps for this.
- Goondori: This is the gold standard. It’s a military service tracker. You put in the enlistment date, and it shows you a progress bar. Seeing "98%" is basically the best feeling in the world for a fan.
- Official Cafe/Weverse: The agencies (JYP, SM, HYBE, etc.) will always post an official "Discharge Notice" a few days before it happens.
Actionable Steps for the Waiting Fan
Waiting for an idol to come back from the army is basically a test of loyalty. It sucks, but you can make it easier.
Check the birth year. If they were born in 2001 or 2002, they probably haven't even gone yet. Stop stressing.
Verify the citizenship. If your "Ian" grew up in the US, Canada, or Australia, check if they have Korean citizenship. If they don't, they are exempt. This is why members like Bang Chan or Mark Lee don't have to go.
Mute the "Enlistment" keyword on X (Twitter). People love to spread fake posters saying "Member X is enlisting tomorrow." Don't fall for it. Only trust the blue-checked official accounts or the fan cafes.
Support solo projects. Usually, when one member goes, the others release solo albums. Buy those. Stream those. It keeps the group’s brand alive while the others are serving.
The wait is almost over for the 2024 enlistment class. By the end of 2026, the landscape of K-pop is going to look a lot more "complete" as the current wave of soldiers returns to the stage.