From Stage to Service
Remember the K-pop trainee with the iconic long hair from Produce 101 Season 2? Jang Moonbok, now serving in the South Korean military, just dropped a surprise update—and fans are loving it.
“Hello, it’s Moonbok!”
On October 1, Jang Moonbok took to Instagram to share a heartfelt letter along with a proud salute in uniform. “It’s been a while. Have you been well?” he wrote. “Spring and summer have passed, and now it’s fall. I’m writing back after seven months.”
Promoted Ahead of Schedule
Moonbok shared that he initially enlisted as a private in the Republic of Korea Army’s 12th Infantry Division Supply Company, but he’s already been promoted to corporal—known as “sangdeungbyeong” in Korean—thanks to outstanding performance during follow-up training. “I’ve gone from being the new guy to having juniors look up to me. It’s made me feel a greater sense of responsibility,” he said.
He credited his fellow soldiers and fans for keeping his spirits high: “Military life is definitely tough, but the people around me make a huge difference. And that includes you all.”
Saluting the Armed Forces
The update came on Armed Forces Day, a day dedicated to honoring South Korea’s military. Moonbok took a moment to recognize the sacrifices of soldiers who, like him, are serving their country around the clock. “I hope we can remember the efforts of all our servicemen and women who dedicate their youth to protecting this country,” he wrote.
From Viral Star to Vocalist
Born in 1995, Jang Moonbok first grabbed headlines in 2010 on Superstar K Season 2. Fans dubbed him the ‘Hip President’ for his unique looks and charm. He re-emerged in the public eye during Produce 101 Season 2 in 2017, and officially debuted with the group LIMITLESS in 2019. Before enlisting in February 2024, he shocked fans by cutting his famously long hair short for military service—a bold but necessary move.
Looking Ahead
Jang Moonbok’s return to social media has given fans hope and maybe a few tears of pride. If his military journey is anything like his career, we can expect even more growth and surprises down the line. One thing’s certain—whether on stage or in uniform, Moonbok knows how to leave an impression.
