SEVENTEEN member Vernon officially enlisted in the South Korean military on August 20, 2026, marking the start of his mandatory service obligations.
To soften the blow for fans worldwide, the multi-talented rapper and songwriter released a special gift on the exact day of his enlistment- a brand-new digital single appropriately titled “I’ll Be Back.”
Vernon, who holds dual citizenship in both South Korea and the United States, chose to fulfill his military duty in Korea despite his dual status.
Following his entry into the training center for basic military instruction, he will fulfill his required service as a public service worker.
His agency, Pledis Entertainment, issued a statement requesting fans (CARATs) to refrain from visiting the official training grounds or workplace sites to ensure a safe and orderly process, while expressing deep gratitude for the fandom’s continued love and support throughout his service.
Heartfelt Message to Fans Through Self-Written Farewell Track
Released at 6:00 PM KST on August 20, 2026 across major global streaming platforms, “I’ll Be Back” serves as a musical love letter and reassurance to fans awaiting his return.
An electronic pop track with strong melodic sensibilities, the song showcases Vernon’s versatile vocal range and artistic depth.
Vernon actively participated in both writing the lyrics and composing the track, infusing it with sincere reflections and promises of reunion.
Longtime followers had previously received a preview of the song when Vernon debuted it live during the 2026 VERNON THE 8 [V8] LIVE concert in July alongside fellow unit member The8, where it drew enthusiastic feedback from audience members.
A Legacy of Multifaceted Artistry and Industry Recognition
Vernon’s solo release adds another compelling entry to his evolving individual discography, which includes hits like his 2022 mixtape “Black Eye,” “Shining Star (Vernon Solo)” from SEVENTEEN’s fifth full-length album Happy Burstday, and “Mia” from the debut EP of SEVENTEEN’s unit V8.
Over the years, Vernon has solidified his reputation as a respected producer and creative force:
Copyright & Industry Milestones
In 2024, Vernon was promoted to a full member of the Korea Music Copyright Association (KOMCA).
He was also appointed as a voting member of the Recording Academy, contributing directly to the Grammy Awards selection process.
Global Collaborations
Beyond group and solo work, Vernon has lent his talents to international cross-genre collaborations, working alongside high-profile music creators such as Charli XCX, Pharrell Williams, and Tiger JK.
As SEVENTEEN navigates this era of staggered military fulfillments for its members, “I’ll Be Back” stands as a poignant reminder of Vernon’s dedication to his craft and his enduring connection with CARATs around the world.
Vernon is expected to complete his service and be officially discharged on May 19, 2028.
