Singer Kang Daniel will begin his mandatory military service next month. His agency confirmed on January 15 that Kang Daniel is set to enlist as an active-duty soldier in the South Korean Army on February 9.
From Produce 101 Winner to K-Pop Star
Kang Daniel rose to nationwide fame in 2017 after winning Mnet’s survival audition program Produce 101 Season 2. Following his victory, he debuted as the center of the project group Wanna One, quickly becoming one of the most recognizable faces of K-pop during the group’s peak popularity.
After Wanna One’s disbandment, Kang Daniel successfully transitioned into a solo career, establishing his own musical identity and maintaining a strong fanbase both in Korea and internationally.
Military Enlistment Draws Attention to Wanna One Reunion Plans
News of Kang Daniel’s enlistment has also sparked renewed interest in the Wanna One reunion project scheduled for the first half of 2026. The group is reportedly set to reunite through a new Mnet entertainment program, marking their first group activity in years.
According to industry sources, Kang Daniel is expected to participate in the early stages of filming before his enlistment, allowing fans to see him rejoin the group ahead of his military service.
A Temporary Goodbye, Not a Farewell
As Kang Daniel prepares to fulfill his national duty, fans are sending messages of support while looking forward to his return. His enlistment marks a temporary pause in activities, but anticipation remains high for his post-service career and future projects.
With both his military service and Wanna One reunion plans overlapping, early 2026 is shaping up to be a meaningful chapter in Kang Daniel’s journey—one that bridges his past achievements with what lies ahead.