SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu Shocks Fans With Military Buzz Cut Days Before Enlistment: ‘Still Looks Like He Owns the Building’ [PHOTO]

SEVENTEEN’s Mingyu has officially entered his buzz-cut era, and CARATs were certainly not prepared for it. Just one week before the idol was scheduled to begin his mandatory military service, Mingyu debuted his shortest hairstyle yet, sending fans into an immediate online frenzy.

The 29-year-old SEVENTEEN member is scheduled to begin alternative military service as a social service agent on Sept. 10. PLEDIS Entertainment previously confirmed his enlistment and asked fans not to gather at his reporting site, noting that there would be no official event on the day.

With his enlistment rapidly approaching, fans knew a major change was coming. Still, few expected Mingyu to reveal his dramatically shortened hairstyle in such a public way.

Mingyu Debuts His Shortest Hairstyle Yet

On Thursday, September 3, Mingyu attended the Simmons pop-up event at Simmons Gallery Seongsu in Seoul. The event celebrated the Beautyrest BLACK collection and featured an immersive art performance titled “The Breath Before Inspiration”.

Mingyu arrived dressed in a sophisticated black tailored coat over a crisp white shirt, completing the look with sleek sunglasses. While his fashion immediately caught attention, it was his newly shaved head that ultimately became the biggest talking point.

The SEVENTEEN rapper appeared with a military-style buzz cut, marking a dramatic departure from the longer hairstyles that fans have become accustomed to seeing throughout his career.

The transformation was particularly striking because Mingyu has rarely been seen with his hair this short since debuting. With his military service only days away, the haircut also gave fans their first major visual reminder that his enlistment is now imminent.

Mingyu had already teased fans about an upcoming style change during a previous live broadcast. However, the reality of seeing him arrive at the event with an almost completely shaved head proved to be a much bigger surprise.

CARATs Cannot Get Over the New Look

As photographs and videos from the event began circulating online, CARATs quickly flooded social media with reactions to Mingyu’s transformation.

One fan wrote, “Can’t believe Mingyu looking so handsome even with this military buzz cut”.

Another reacted, “The buzzcut era is gonna be so loud for no reason and im honestly here for it”.

A third fan joked, “Bro shaved his head and still looks like he owns the building,” while another appeared genuinely stunned, writing, “GOOD MORNING! Mingyu, this wasn’t what we expected on a Thursday morning.”

Beyond the initial shock, many fans began praising Mingyu for proving that his reputation as one of SEVENTEEN’s standout visuals has little to do with his hairstyle.

The buzz cut may have removed one of his most recognizable styling elements, but it did little to diminish his stage presence or charisma. Instead, the stripped-back appearance highlighted his features and gave him an entirely different image just days before he begins his service.

Why Will Mingyu’s Military Service Be Different?

Mingyu will serve as a social service agent, meaning his military duties will take place in a non-combat role rather than as an active-duty soldier.

As with other forms of alternative service, he is still expected to complete the required basic military training before beginning his assigned duties.

PLEDIS Entertainment has also warned fans against visiting Mingyu’s reporting location. The agency has emphasized that no official enlistment event will take place, asking CARATs to show their support through online platforms such as Weverse instead.

Once his service begins, Mingyu will not participate in SEVENTEEN’s regular group activities. However, fans can reportedly expect some pre-recorded content that the members prepared ahead of his enlistment.

SEVENTEEN’s Military Era Continues

Mingyu’s enlistment comes as SEVENTEEN continues navigating a major period of military service among its Korean members.

The group’s military era has already seen several members step away from group promotions. JEONGHAN was discharged in June, while WONWOO, HOSHI, WOOZI and VERNON are among those serving or preparing for their respective duties.

The next major change will come on October 26, when SEUNGKWAN and DINO are scheduled to begin their service as active-duty Army band soldiers.

The different enlistment schedules mean SEVENTEEN’s full 13-member lineup will remain unavailable for an extended period, creating an inevitable transition for the group and its fandom.

Foreign members THE8, JUN and JOSHUA will not be required to serve in the South Korean military, while S.COUPS is exempt from military service.

Fans to Wait for the Full Group

Despite the disruptions caused by mandatory service, SEVENTEEN has continued developing ways to keep its music and content moving.

Subunits and solo activities have become increasingly important during this period, with projects involving BSS, JEONGHAN x WONWOO and other members helping maintain the group’s presence.

A full-group comeback is expected in 2028, meaning CARATs are likely facing a considerable wait before seeing all 13 members together again.

For now, Mingyu’s final days before enlistment are becoming particularly memorable. His surprise buzz cut has given fans one last unexpected moment before he steps away from the spotlight.

And judging by the reaction, Mingyu may have just managed to turn his military haircut into one of his most talked-about looks yet.