For the last two years the members of 2PM have remained firm in their conviction that all of the eligible band members would enlist at the same time. They have not yet decided on an enlistment date but whatever it is, despite the difference in their ages, they will enlist together.
The rationale was that if they all entered together, it would take them less time to complete the mandatory military duty required of all Korean males, ages 18 to 35. That would mean the group would reunite more quickly and could get back to making music. Taecyeon, Chansung, Junho and Wooyoung will also have to put their acting careers on hold when they enlist.
"If we entered the army in a zigzag way, it would take us six years to be complete as a group again," said Jun.K in an interview with Joy News. "Truthfully, we don't have a lot of members in our group. Whenever we do events and one or two members weren't able to attend, it makes a really big difference too. We can probably do unit promotions too, but it's still not 2PM."
"I also want to enter (the army) together with the other members," said Wooyoung, who recently appeared on "We Got Married" with Park Se Young. "If the elder members entered the army and we younger ones are left, I think it would be lonely."
Nickhun will not serve in the military because he is not a Korean citizen. He was born in California to Thai-Chinese parents.
Taecyeon was born in Korea, immigrated to the U.S. with his parents and became a U.S. citizen. But he gave up his permanent residence status in 2010 in an effort to enlist. He also had his vision corrected and a shoulder injury treated so he could become an active duty soldier.
Exact dates have not yet been set but the band is expected to enlist by the end of 2015. The band made a comeback with the release of their fourth album, "Go Crazy." "Go Crazy", has 14 songs incuding "She's Ma Girl", "Boyfriend", "Mine" and "Awesome".
The acting members of 2PM have also been busy with demanding roles. Taecyeon last starred as the quick-tempered Kang Dong Hee in the 50-episode "Wonderful Days." For that role he was nominated for a Baeksang Arts Award for most popular TV actor.
Chansung last appeared in the Chinese drama "If I Love" with actress Liu Yan.
Junho last appeared in the film "Memories of the Sword" with Lee Byung Hun and Jeon Do Yeon.
