As their enlistment dates approach, both artists continue to work vigorously on music and stage activities.
Their engagement with fans increases their significance in the K-pop industry.
Singers Baekho (born in 1995) and Kang Daniel (born in 1996) are garnering attention as they approach their military service in their 30s. As their enlistment dates draw closer, both artists are ramping up their activities to solidify their presence, attracting the interest of fans and industry insiders. Baekho has officially announced he will enlist on the 29th, while Kang Daniel is currently awaiting his notice.
Both artists gained significant public recognition in 2017 through Mnet's 'Produce 101' Season 2. Kang Daniel rose to fame as the center of the project group Wanna One and has continued to explore various genres in his solo career. Conversely, Baekho has maintained his success with NU'EST, experiencing a resurgence, and has recently gained the nickname 'Festival Emperor' with performances showcasing a sexy concept.
Recently, both artists have sparked renewed interest through short-form content on YouTube and social media. Their content is attracting a younger fan demographic, and their heightened activity leading up to military service further cements their image as 'ongoing artists.' While military service looms ahead, there is naturally an increasing anticipation for their return post-service.
The artistic journeys of Baekho and Kang Daniel find themselves at a pivotal moment as they prepare for military service, yet their ability to capture public attention even amidst impending enlistment is noteworthy. By ramping up their activities before enlisting, they are not only sustaining their individual fame but also contributing meaningfully to the broader K-pop industry landscape.
Kang Daniel has drawn fans' love through diverse activities, particularly expanding his musical palette as a solo artist. It is anticipated that upon his return post-military service, he will engage with his audience through even more diverse ventures. Similarly, Baekho is likely to maintain his current popularity, ensuring continued interaction with fans even during his service.
Both artists seem poised for a powerful resurgence after their military stints, reflecting a trend that could benefit not only their personal success but also invigorate the K-pop market as a whole. This perspective positions military service not as a hiatus, but as a stepping stone for greater growth, making their future movements highly anticipated.
This article is KOSTAR’s reinterpretation of a story originally reported by TVDaily.
Photo: TVDaily