SEVENTEEN’s main vocalist, DK (Lee Seokmin), held an emotional final live broadcast on Weverse just hours before officially beginning his mandatory military service on September 8, 2026.
The idol, known for his bright personality and warm relationship with CARATs (SEVENTEEN’s fanbase), became visibly tearful as he bade farewell to viewers.
During the stream, DK expressed deep gratitude toward fans for their unwavering support over the years and asked them to stay healthy and happy while waiting for his return.
His visible tears and vulnerability touched fans worldwide, triggering an outpouring of emotional reactions across social media and reigniting broader debates surrounding mandatory military service in South Korea.
Following the broadcast, clips of DK breaking down in tears spread rapidly across global digital platforms, leading to emotional responses from fans who expressed heartbreak over seeing the usually cheerful star so distressed.
While fans sent thousands of supportive messages wishing him a safe and healthy service, the broadcast also ignited renewed discussions among netizens and foreign observers regarding the societal expectations and mandatory military obligations imposed on male Korean artists at the peak of their global careers.
Emotional Final Farewell on Weverse and Direct Address to Fans
During the live stream, DK spoke candidly about his upcoming enlistment and shared his mixed emotions as he prepared to step away from his active group schedule.
He spent time interacting with comments, reassuring fans that he would take care of himself during his military duties while struggling to suppress his tears.
Directly addressing the viewers on the stream, DK shared his heartfelt thoughts:
“I’m just really thankful… I’m not having a tough time, I’m really grateful that I am able to be your source of strength. All your kind words, I’m thankful for that too.
I didn’t know I was going to cry, I feel weird. Why am I crying? I hope my members aren’t listening to this.”
He continued to express his affection and concern for the fanbase, adding:
“I think I’m getting more comfort than I’m giving you, so I’m sorry and thankful.”
His candid admission of feeling overwhelmed by gratitude highlighted the deep bond between the artist and his supporters, with CARATs filling the comment section with messages of encouragement, reminding him that he has given them immense joy and strength throughout his decade-long career.
Public Debate Over Mandatory Military Service and Enlistment Timelines
DK’s emotional farewell came after Pledis Entertainment officially confirmed on July 26, 2026, that he would enlist as an active-duty soldier in the Republic of Korea Army on September 8.
His enlistment follows that of fellow SEVENTEEN members who have sequentially entered military service, making him the sixth member of the 13-member group to embark on his mandatory duties.
To maintain safety and prevent overcrowding at the recruit training center, Pledis Entertainment requested that fans refrain from visiting the official entry site on the day of his enlistment.
The viral reaction to DK’s tearful stream sparked a broader discussion among online communities regarding South Korea’s compulsory military system.
Observers and international fans noted the emotional toll the mandatory interruption takes on young Korean men and male idols who must pause their thriving global careers.
Netizens pointed out that despite achieving massive international cultural success, Korean pop stars must fulfill their civic duties, often leading to poignant farewells.
With DK now officially beginning his active-duty service, fans around the world continue to share messages of support under trending hashtags, counting down the months until SEVENTEEN can eventually reunite as a complete 13-member group.
