In an announcement that marks a significant turning point in his illustrious career, K-pop sensation and former Wanna One center Kang Daniel has officially confirmed the date for his mandatory military service.
On January 14 and 15, 2026, his agency, ARA (formerly associated with Konnect Entertainment), released a formal statement detailing his upcoming enlistment, bringing both a sense of closure and anticipation to his dedicated global fandom, known as FLOWD.
Official Enlistment Details and Safety Protocols
According to the agency’s statement, Kang Daniel is scheduled to enlist as an active-duty soldier in the Republic of Korea Army on February 9, 2026.
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Upon his arrival at the recruit training center, he will undergo five weeks of basic military training before being assigned to his permanent unit to fulfill the remainder of his service.
In light of the high-profile nature of his departure, ARA emphasized that there will be no official send-off event or public ceremony on the day of his enlistment.
The agency specifically requested that fans refrain from visiting the training site to prevent crowding and ensure the safety of other enlistees and their families.
“We ask for your warm support so that Kang Daniel can faithfully fulfill his duty to the nation and return in good health,” the agency stated, echoing the sentiments of many who have followed his journey since his debut.
The “Pulsephase” Era and Final Activities
The timing of this announcement follows a meticulously planned “final chapter” of activities.
During a press conference in June 2025 for his sixth mini-album, ACT (featuring tracks like “Pulsephase”), Daniel hinted at his impending service, expressing a deep desire to showcase as much of his artistry as possible before his hiatus. He remained true to this promise, maintaining a rigorous schedule that included:
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- The “RUNWAY” Fan Concert: In December 2025, he held a final fan concert at the Seoul KBS Arena, which served as an emotional farewell to his supporters.
- Special Musical Releases: He dropped the special album PULSEPHASE in late 2024/early 2025, ensuring his fans had new music to carry them through his absence.
- Wanna One Reunion: Perhaps most poignantly, Daniel is expected to participate in the early portions of a highly anticipated Wanna One reality show scheduled for early 2026. He humorously referred to his enlistment as “studying abroad” when discussing his limited participation in the program.
A Legacy of Nine Years and Future Outlook
Kang Daniel’s enlistment marks the start of a “military hiatus” exactly nine years after his meteoric rise to fame on Mnet’s Produce 101 Season 2 in 2017.
Since then, he has evolved from a record-breaking group member to a successful CEO, solo artist, and television host.
His departure is seen by many as a “relief” for the artist, who previously shared that he had attempted to enlist much earlier in his youth but was delayed due to a high volume of applicants.
While his presence on the stage will be missed for the next 18 months, Daniel has assured fans that he has already prepared content and music for his time away, as well as a roadmap for his return.
As he transitions from the stage to the barracks, the industry remains poised for the return of one of its most resilient and influential figures in late 2027.
