Gunil Leaves Xdinary Heroes, SEVENTEEN Announces Final Enlistments, Chaeyoung Denies Breakup Rumors

SEVENTEEN Announces Final Military Enlistments, Full Group Reunion Likely in 2028

SEVENTEEN has officially announced the enlistment dates for the final three members who are required to complete South Korea’s mandatory military service, bringing the group’s enlistment timeline into clearer focus.

PLEDIS Entertainment confirmed on August 10 that Mingyu will begin alternative service on September 10, while Seungkwan and Dino will enlist in the Army on October 26. The announcement follows the agency’s previous confirmation that Vernon will begin alternative service on August 20, while DK will enlist for active duty on September 8.

With the latest announcement, the group’s military hiatus will involve nine members at different stages of service. Hoshi and Woozi are currently serving, while Wonwoo is completing alternative service. Jeonghan, the group’s first member to enlist, was discharged in June. S.Coups, Joshua, Jun, and The8 are not required to serve due to their respective circumstances. Notably, Vernon’s August 20 enlistment marks the beginning of the final stretch, with Dino and Seungkwan being the last members to enter service on October 26.

Based on standard service periods and the staggered schedule, SEVENTEEN could potentially reunite as a complete 13-member group around mid-2028, although the exact timing will depend on each member’s service type and discharge date.

TWICE’s Chaeyoung Denies Zion.T Breakup Rumors, Launches Independent Label LIL FANTASY

TWICE’s Chaeyoung and singer-songwriter Zion.T have denied recent reports claiming that the couple had ended their relationship.

On August 14, reports alleged that the pair had broken up after publicly confirming their relationship in 2024. However, representatives for both artists later confirmed that the reports were “completely groundless,” stating that Chaeyoung and Zion.T had personally clarified that they are continuing their relationship.

The denial comes just one day after Chaeyoung announced a major new chapter in her career. After 14 years with JYP Entertainment, the TWICE member revealed that she had departed the agency to pursue her solo activities independently. She also established her own independent label, LIL FANTASY, through which she plans to develop her music and creative identity. Chaeyoung will remain a member of TWICE and continue participating in the group’s activities despite her departure from JYP.

The launch of LIL FANTASY marks a significant step toward greater creative independence for Chaeyoung, building on the artistic direction established through her solo work. The singer previously introduced the “Lil Fantasy” concept through her debut solo album and has now expanded it into an independent music venture.

ICYMI:

• Kwon Eunbi announces her first album under RBW Entertainment, set for release in September.

• YG Entertainment to debut new boy group “Five Boys” this September, marking the agency’s latest rookie group.

• WAYF BOYS partners with U.S.-based record label Introspection for its upcoming music activities.

• “Idol Star Athletics Championships” (ISAC) will not air this Chuseok due to scheduling conflicts with the 2026 Asian Games

Gunil Leaves Xdinary Heroes And JYP Entertainment Following Fan Controversy

Xdinary Heroes’ Gunil has officially left the band and JYP Entertainment following controversy surrounding comments he made about fans.

The agency announced on August 13 that it had held “thorough, multi-faceted discussions” with Gunil regarding the recent issues and ultimately determined that he could no longer continue his activities with the group. JYP Entertainment and Gunil mutually agreed to terminate his exclusive contract, with Xdinary Heroes set to continue as a five-member group.

The controversy began after an individual identified as “A,” who claimed to have previously dated Gunil, shared posts on an online community detailing conversations with the musician. Among the material that surfaced was a recorded phone call in which Gunil made disparaging remarks about fans.

In a lengthy letter to fans, Gunil confirmed that he was the person heard making the comments and apologized for his words. He explained that he had been experiencing significant emotional distress at the time, citing malicious comments, false rumors, and concerns surrounding the group’s music and performances.

Gunil also alleged that sasaeng fans had broken into Xdinary Heroes’ dormitory and placed a GPS tracker on his personal vehicle, which he said left him fearful and resentful toward certain individuals who invaded the members’ privacy.

He further recalled receiving malicious criticism following the group’s June concert at Inspire Arena, saying the accumulated stress caused him to emotionally break down. Gunil acknowledged that these circumstances did not excuse his remarks, but clarified that they were directed toward specific malicious individuals rather than Villains, Xdinary Heroes’ fandom as a whole.

The drummer also expressed his love and gratitude toward his fellow members and fans, describing the members as “wonderful, admirable, and lovable younger brothers.”

In his emotional farewell, Gunil apologized to fans for the hurt caused by his actions and thanked them for the memories they had shared. Although he is no longer part of Xdinary Heroes, he said he would continue supporting the group and hoped fans would continue to love and support the remaining five members.

Upcoming Tours & Performances

• KATSEYE announces fan signing event at Barnes & Noble The Grove on Monday, August 17.

• SHINee’s Taemin announces 2026–2027 world tour “LiMiNaL” in North America with six cities.

• Big Ocean announces U.S. fall tour 2026 with eight dates.

• TOMORROW X TOGETHER to headline 2026 Global Citizen Festival on September 26.

• NCT 127 to perform on America’s Got Talent on August 19.

• EXO’s D.O. announces 2026–2027 world tour “DAY OFF” with 10 global dates.

Favorite New Music This Week

AXMxP’s “10 Reasons To Date Me” was surprisingly the best song of the week. While the track moves away from the group’s usual hip-hop-heavy sound, it still retains enough of their signature rhythmic energy to feel distinctly like AXMxP. The breezy production and upbeat melody make for an immediately accessible listen, with punchy verses flowing naturally into a softer, more melodic centerpiece.

The song’s biggest strength, however, lies in its playful songwriting. The counting motif gives the track an endearing sense of personality, while the relaxed arrangement allows the members’ vocals and the central melody to shine. It may not be the group’s most ambitious or sonically adventurous release, but that simplicity works in its favor. Warm, catchy, and effortlessly pleasant, “10 Reasons To Date Me” is an easygoing track that grows more charming with every listen.

NEXT WEEK’S COMEBACK SCHEDULE

• Monday, August 17, 2026

  • TXT: 5th Japanese Single “Setsuna Hanabi”

  • Jun. K: Digital Single “Your Lip (ft. Wendy)”

• Tuesday, August 18, 2026

  • BOYNEXTDOOR: 2nd Japanese Digital Single “Boom Boom Boom”

• Wednesday, August 19, 2026

  • ZEROBASEONE: 2nd Japanese EP “回帰LOVE”

  • BIGBANG: Digital Single “BiiiG”

  • AtHeart: Single “3!4!”

  • ONEWE: 3rd Full Album “Unknown Atlas”

  • OURBIRTHDAY: 1st Single “Our Birthday”

• Thursday, August 20, 2026

  • Kim Jae Joong: Single Album “The Wave”

  • Mimi (OH MY GIRL_: 1st Single “Bish Bash Bosh”

  • Tiffany Young: 1st Full Album “Edge of Calm”

• Friday, August 21, 2026

  • ENHYPEN: 8th Mini Album “The Sin: Bliss”

• Saturday, August 22, 2026

  • N/A

• Sunday, August 23, 2026

  • N/A

— Javeria Yousuf

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