Overview
- PLEDIS announced Monday that Vernon will begin alternative (social) service on August 20 and DK will enlist for active-duty Army service on September 8.
- Both members will finish scheduled group activities before their service and the agency asked fans not to attend enlistment ceremonies or visit training or work sites to protect privacy.
- Once enlisted, Vernon and DK will be unavailable for live SEVENTEEN activities but will stay in touch with CARAT through content recorded in advance.
- The announcements continue a phased military timeline that already includes members currently serving, one discharged in June 2026, one medically exempt, and three members not subject to conscription because they are foreign nationals.
- SEVENTEEN recently renewed full 13-member contracts with PLEDIS and plans to regroup as a complete unit after all members finish their service, a move that guides the group's scheduling and fan-engagement strategy during the staggered enlistments.