SHINee's Choi Minho enters the Marine Corps!

The day has come for the Flaming Charisma to serve at the Marine Corps. As announced late last month, SHINee's Choi Minho will start his mandatory military enlistment today, April 15, 2019.

Last month, his friends have gathered and threw him a send-off party,

Minho applied for the Marine Corps in January and passed the first round of examinations. On March 21, SM Entertainment revealed that he was accepted and will be enlisting at the Marine Corps Training Center in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province.

He didn't let the Shawols down as he released his first solo single in his 11-year career via SM Entertainment's digital music channel, SM Station entitled 'I'm Home' on March 28.

Two days later on March 30, he did an encore event of his fan meeting tour, 'The Best CHOI's MINHO' at the Korea University's Hwajung Gymnasium.

He then performed a tribute to his brothers at the said event. He performed Taemin's 'Move' and Key's 'One of those Nights'

A few days before his enlistment, Minho shared a video of his hair getting chopped off for the enlistment and afterwards some photos with it.

And he didn't forget to thank SHINee World and he did it through hand written letter:

Hello everyone~ it’s SHINee’s Minho!!

It seems like it’s been a while since I’ve written my feelings down. Everyone knows, right? I will be enlisting in the military on April 15. I’ll be momentarily separated from everyone for a short if it’s short, and long if it’s long while.

After debuting on May 25, 2008, time has passed by quite quickly, and I’m so happy and pleased to have spent it with everyone. These were moments I won’t be able to forget.

The many things I’ve been able to feel and all the things I’ve been able to grow into is thanks to your interest and support. When I took some time to look back, I honestly couldn’t imagine that I, who was lacking in many ways for a long time, would receive the strong support and love that is SHINee World [SHINee’s fanclub]. It was a warm consolation and huge relief for me, who only thought of running and working hard, and moving forward. Thank you once again.

The fact that there was someone beside me was a source of great happiness for me, and I think I’m going to miss SHINee World a lot, for helping me, who was always strongly looking ahead, look back and become soft and flexible, instead of always being so stiff. I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to approach you all more often and express myself more. I’m really sorry..^^ But you know that I’m grateful and I love you, right??? I’ll remember the support that everyone gave me and return safely.

I’ll work hard in the military so I can come back to give everyone positive and good energy without disappointing anyone. Thank you and thank you again. And I love you!!

You guys are always my hope~

2019.4.14 SHINee’s Minho

PS. Everyone, you know that I’m Choi Minho, right? Don’t worry!! Victory!!!

Today he enters the training division. Many Shawols gathered outside and waited for Minho outside. Few of his friends and loved ones came to send him off including SHINee's maknae, and the only remaining member of the group who hasn't enlisted yet, Lee Taemin.