Oh Sehun Completes Military Service, Paving the Way for EXO's Full-Group Comeback

Sehun’s Return Signals a New Era for EXO

Oh Sehun, the youngest member of global K-pop powerhouse EXO, has officially completed his mandatory military service. His discharge marks the long-awaited moment loyal fans have been anticipating for years—the end of a staggered enlistment cycle that began when bandmate Xiumin enlisted in 2019. With all nine active members now free of military obligations, attention has shifted toward an official group reunion, confirmed by SM Entertainment for December 2025.

This news has ignited excitement across the K-pop community, sparking global trends on social media platforms as fans express joy and anticipation for one of the most successful idol groups to fully reunite after years of intermittent activity.

The Long Military Hiatus for EXO

South Korea mandates that all able-bodied men serve in the military, typically for a period of 18 to 21 months, depending on the branch. For K-pop groups, this requirement has long been a challenging factor, often resulting in years of disruption in group promotions. EXO, one of the most influential acts in K-pop history, was no exception.

The enlistments began with Xiumin in May 2019, followed by D.O. in July of that same year. Over the next several years, members Suho, Chen, Chanyeol, Baekhyun, and Kai also took their turns fulfilling service obligations. Despite careful scheduling and solo or sub-unit projects to maintain visibility, the group’s full-scale activities were inevitably limited. Sehun’s completion of service now closes this six-year chapter, marking the beginning of a new era.

For fans, the staggered enlistments often felt like an extended waiting game. Unlike earlier K-pop groups who saw collective hiatuses of up to two years, EXO’s staggered strategy maintained a presence in the industry but prolonged the absence of full-group performances. With Sehun’s discharge, the long cycle has finally come full circle.

SM Entertainment Confirms December 2025 Comeback

In a press release, SM Entertainment confirmed that EXO will make its highly anticipated comeback in December 2025. While specific details about the format of this comeback—be it an album release, concert tour, or fan meeting—have yet to be revealed, industry insiders suggest that it will be one of the largest K-pop reunions in recent years.

The announcement has sparked speculation about a possible world tour, given EXO’s track record of performing across Asia, North America, and Europe. Their previous concerts, such as the "EXO Planet" series, drew hundreds of thousands of attendees. A reunion tour in 2026 would not only reaffirm their status as a leading K-pop act but also contribute substantially to South Korea’s booming entertainment economy, which thrives on global fandom-driven tourism.

Fan Reactions and Global Excitement

The fan response to Sehun’s discharge has demonstrated EXO’s enduring popularity. Within hours of the announcement, hashtags related to Sehun and EXO’s comeback climbed to the top of Twitter’s worldwide trends. Fans across different time zones organized celebratory online events, including streaming parties of EXO’s past music videos and virtual fan meet-ups.

In Seoul, celebrations took on a physical presence as fan unions prepared banners and digital ads across subway stations and shopping districts. Internationally, fan groups from countries such as the Philippines, Mexico, and the United States partnered to commission LED displays and public art projects as tributes to EXO’s return. Such celebrations indicate the sustained loyalty of EXO-Ls, the group’s official fandom, and their readiness to support new releases with massive digital streaming campaigns and purchasing power.

Historical Context: Military Service and K-pop Groups

EXO is far from the first K-pop group to navigate challenges posed by South Korea’s military service requirements. Legendary groups such as Shinhwa and Super Junior also faced similar disruptions in their group activities in earlier eras. Whereas Shinhwa strategically regrouped post-service and retained longevity, Super Junior embraced rotating sub-units that allowed the brand to flourish despite individual member absences.

However, the modern K-pop market differs significantly. The industry’s global expansion, aided by streaming platforms and social media campaigns, allows groups to sustain momentum despite interruptions. The case of BTS, whose members embarked on military service starting in 2022, drew international attention to the issue. Like EXO, BTS maintained solo content and assured fans of a full reunion, highlighting the industry’s evolving methods of navigating the inevitable hiatuses caused by conscription.

EXO’s reunion, therefore, represents more than just a comeback—it is a case study in resilience and how fan loyalty can remain steadfast even during prolonged group inactivity.

Economic Impact of EXO’s Comeback

The return of EXO as a full group carries broad economic implications. Historically, K-pop comebacks of top-tier groups generate significant revenue, not only for entertainment agencies but also for related industries such as tourism, merchandising, and retail.

EXO previously ranked among the top-selling artists in South Korea, with albums like "Don’t Mess Up My Tempo" and "Obsession" achieving commercial success. Their concerts have drawn massive audiences, particularly in Asia, where fan tourism is a thriving sector. International fans frequently travel to Seoul during comeback periods, boosting hotel occupancy, transportation revenue, and local business sales.

Market analysts suggest that if EXO embarks on a full-scale global tour post-comeback, the economic impact could rival that of their peak years. Furthermore, collaborations with luxury brands and endorsements are expected to resume at a larger scale, considering that both Kai and Sehun have significant influence in the fashion world.

EXO’s Place in Regional Comparisons

Among K-pop groups managing military service dynamics, EXO has maintained a unique trajectory. Unlike groups that disbanded or faded during service interruptions, EXO sustained a balance between solo promotions and occasional unit releases. This strategy kept the group in the public eye, even during periods without full-group activity.

Comparatively, Super Junior continued group activities with rotating lineups, while BTS focused heavily on solo projects during enlistments. EXO’s staggered approach falls somewhere between, maintaining collective identity while allowing individual members to flourish in acting, solo music careers, and fashion promotions.

This formula is often cited as a reason for EXO’s continued relevance, despite the challenges of time and industry turnover. Their ability to remain present within pop culture, even if not always as a full group, highlights the stability of their fan base and the careful management by their agency.

Looking Ahead to December 2025 and Beyond

As December approaches, anticipation continues to build for EXO’s reunion. Industry experts predict a multifaceted comeback strategy that might combine music releases with large-scale fan events, live concerts, and digital campaigns across global markets. Considering EXO’s proven track record, expectations are set high not only domestically but also across Asia, North America, and Europe.

For the members, this reunion is more than a professional milestone; it stands as a symbolic moment of resilience and continuity after years of challenges. For fans, the wait has been long, but the promise of a complete EXO comeback represents the culmination of loyalty, hope, and collective anticipation shared across continents.

As Oh Sehun steps back into the spotlight, his return signals the beginning of a new chapter for one of K-pop’s most enduring legacies. With military service now behind them, EXO is poised to reclaim the global stage, bringing with them not just music, but a renewed sense of unity that fans have been awaiting for six years.

Conclusion

The completion of Sehun’s military service and the confirmation of a December 2025 comeback mark a defining moment in EXO’s storied career. The group now stands ready to reunite as nine, delivering long-awaited performances that hold both cultural and economic significance. From Seoul to São Paulo, from Tokyo to Los Angeles, the anticipation reflects not only EXO’s global impact but also the enduring strength of the K-pop industry to adapt, evolve, and thrive in the face of challenges.

With their military hiatus concluded, EXO is set to shine once again on the world stage, proving that time apart has only strengthened the bond between the group and its dedicated fans.