The K-Pop world is abuzz, and unfortunately, not always for celebratory reasons. SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu recently found himself at the center of unwanted attention after his military notice sparked negativity towards the idol, with loyal fans quick to defend him from the hate.
On August 10, the enlistment notices for the remaining SEVENTEEN members were announced, including Seungkwan and Dino preparing for the military band, and Mingyu for public service. This news, while anticipated, brought an unexpected wave of criticism.
Pledis Entertainment announces SEVENTEEN’s MINGYU, DINO and SEUNGKWAN will begin their mandatory military service on September 10th and October 16th, respectively. pic.twitter.com/LjnHMhYIWj
— Kpop Charts (@kchartsmaster) August 10, 2026
Yet, the announcement sparked negativity towards Mingyu, specifically concerning his assignment to public service duty.
While some critics hit back at the idol for doing public service, claiming a perceived high number of members in the group opting for this path, others bafflingly shared “happiness” about the idol going. This particular sentiment was seemingly linked, rather unusually, to Mingyu’s well-known friendship with BTS‘s Jungkook, suggesting an odd, unfounded animosity.
amazing how many alt service members are on this team. lolol https://t.co/dcRdjl3j9D
— oomfenshmirtz (@o_biennis) August 10, 2026
— Dānī⁷ 💜 ⊙⊝⊜ saw MA CITY live! hudcon pilled (@hyyhddaeng) August 10, 2026
Was this group actually THAT wrecked physically to end up with half the eligible members in public service & exception??
How on earth were they jumping and dancing on stage Genuinely asking 😌 pic.twitter.com/o1IzEvF7N2
— Lore ⊙⊝⊜ (@thankyouBusan) August 10, 2026
— lika’ seeing again bts in 🇹🇭🥷🏾🪭 (@kookslaands) August 10, 2026
BITCHHHHH LOVE GOOD NEWS https://t.co/T3vokfubtG pic.twitter.com/rfGT3t8elc
— Lari saw Jungkook (@jeaykay) August 10, 2026
Yet, as often happens in the K-Pop fandom, many fans quickly stepped up to defend Mingyu. CARATs rallied strongly, emphasizing that the idol’s military assignment is a result of a thorough process, not a personal choice. In particular, many shared that Mingyu has a well-documented history of back problems. Therefore, if the idol is doing public service, it’s because the military conducted comprehensive tests and medical evaluations, and ultimately didn’t deem him fit for active duty or normal service. Fans highlighted that such decisions are made by official military bodies based on health assessments, not by the idol himself or public opinion.
the concept of being shady towards svt members whos doing alt service as if its an achievement because why are you beefing with a person with fractured ankle, bad eyesight, asthma and chronic back pain who also have to serve way longer than others pic.twitter.com/CMjP0COzUV
for carats who don’t know why mingyu is serving in alternative service, it’s because he first publicly suffered a back injury in 2016. at the time, it was just minor pain, but in 2023, he suffered from severe and chronic lower back pain, including an incident in late 2023 that…
— mikay 🐈⬛ (@sweetywonwoo_) August 10, 2026
PLEDIS Entertainment has officially announced Mingyu’s upcoming enlistment and his assignment to alternative service (social service personnel).
To ensure accurate information is shared and prevent unnecessary speculation, here is a fact-based overview of South Korea’s military… pic.twitter.com/asX6qjNYtP
— Moon the 역전재판 (@Moonismean) August 10, 2026
