In an announcement that marks a significant turning point in his illustrious career, K-pop sensation and former Wanna One center Kang Daniel has officially confirmed the date for his mandatory military service.
On January 14 and 15, 2026, his agency, ARA (formerly associated with Konnect Entertainment), released a formal statement detailing his upcoming enlistment, bringing both a sense of closure and anticipation to his dedicated global fandom, known as FLOWD.
Official Enlistment Details and Safety Protocols
According to the agency’s statement, Kang Daniel is scheduled to enlist as an active-duty soldier in the Republic of Korea Army on February 9, 2026.
Upon his arrival at the recruit training center, he will undergo five weeks of basic military training before being assigned to his permanent unit to fulfill the remainder of his service.
In light of the high-profile nature of his departure, ARA emphasized that there will be no official send-off event or public ceremony on the day of his enlistment.
The agency specifically requested that fans refrain from visiting the training site to prevent crowding and ensure the safety of other enlistees and their families.
“We ask for your warm support so that Kang Daniel can faithfully fulfill his duty to the nation and return in good health,” the agency stated, echoing the sentiments of many who have followed his journey since his debut.
Kang Daniel (Credit: YouTube)
The “Pulsephase” Era and Final Activities
The timing of this announcement follows a meticulously planned “final chapter” of activities.
During a press conference in June 2025 for his sixth mini-album, ACT (featuring tracks like “Pulsephase”), Daniel hinted at his impending service, expressing a deep desire to showcase as much of his artistry as possible before his hiatus. He remained true to this promise, maintaining a rigorous schedule that included:
- The “RUNWAY” Fan Concert: In December 2025, he held a final fan concert at the Seoul KBS Arena, which served as an emotional farewell to his supporters.
- Special Musical Releases: He dropped the special album PULSEPHASE in late 2024/early 2025, ensuring his fans had new music to carry them through his absence.
- Wanna One Reunion: Perhaps most poignantly, Daniel is expected to participate in the early portions of a highly anticipated Wanna One reality show scheduled for early 2026. He humorously referred to his enlistment as “studying abroad” when discussing his limited participation in the program.
A Legacy of Nine Years and Future Outlook
Kang Daniel’s enlistment marks the start of a “military hiatus” exactly nine years after his meteoric rise to fame on Mnet’s Produce 101 Season 2 in 2017.
Since then, he has evolved from a record-breaking group member to a successful CEO, solo artist, and television host.
His departure is seen by many as a “relief” for the artist, who previously shared that he had attempted to enlist much earlier in his youth but was delayed due to a high volume of applicants.
While his presence on the stage will be missed for the next 18 months, Daniel has assured fans that he has already prepared content and music for his time away, as well as a roadmap for his return.
As he transitions from the stage to the barracks, the industry remains poised for the return of one of its most resilient and influential figures in late 2027.
After a hiatus that felt like an eternity to the global music community, the wait is finally over. K-pop titans BLACKPINK have officially set the stage for their triumphant return to the music scene, confirming a February comeback that has already ignited a firestorm of excitement across social media.
On January 15, 2026, the group released their first teaser for their upcoming project, titled DEADLINE, signaling a bold new era for Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa.
The Cinematic Teaser and Official Release Date
The announcement arrived via a high-octane 30-second teaser video that perfectly encapsulates the group’s signature “girl crush” aesthetic.
The visual features a sleek, high-contrast palette of neon pink and deep obsidian black, centered around the imagery of a high-performance vehicle.
The sound of a roaring engine serves as the backdrop, building tension until the final title card reveals the date the world has been waiting for: February 27, 2026, at 12 AM EST (1 PM KST).
This release marks the group’s first collective musical effort in over three years, following the massive success of their 2022 studio album Born Pink.
The announcement effectively ends a period of individual focus, proving that while the members have conquered the world solo, their combined power remains the ultimate force in the industry.
Bridging the World Tour and New Music
The title DEADLINE is already familiar to the “Blink” fandom, as it shares the name of the group’s massive Deadline World Tour , which began in July 2025. By naming the album after the tour, BLACKPINK is creating a cohesive narrative for this chapter of their career.
The group has been performing the digital single “Jump” throughout the tour, giving fans a taste of the high-energy, experimental sound they can expect from the new mini-album.
The timing of the release is strategic; the album will drop just one month after the tour concludes its final leg in Hong Kong.
This suggests that the album serves as both a culmination of their recent live performances and a fresh start for 2026.
Individual Triumphs Leading to a United Front
The three-year gap between group albums was far from a period of inactivity. Since 2022, each member has redefined what it means to be a global superstar.
Rosé dominated the charts with her Bruno Mars collaboration “APT.”; Lisa established her own management agency, LLOUD; Jennie launched her fashion and music label, ODD ATELIER; and Jisoo balanced a thriving acting career with solo musical releases.
Their reunion for DEADLINE is significant because it demonstrates their commitment to the BLACKPINK brand despite their immense individual success.
Fans are eager to see how their varied personal experiences and artistic growth over the last three years will influence the group’s sound and chemistry in this new project.
Fan Expectations and High Stakes
While the announcement has been met with overwhelming joy, it has also sparked intense discussion.
Because the project is a mini-album rather than a full-length record, some fans have expressed a desire for more tracks after such a long wait. However, the consensus remains one of intense anticipation.
With YG Entertainment promising “highly refined music,” the stakes are incredibly high. DEADLINE is not just an album; it is a statement that the world’s biggest girl group is back to reclaim their throne.
As February 27 approaches, the music industry prepares for what is sure to be one of the biggest cultural moments of the year.
