SEVENTEEN's Vernon drops solo single 'I'll Be Back' on enlistment day, posts farewell photo on Sept. 11
Vernon enlisted as a social service worker on Aug. 20, 2026, releasing a self-written solo single that same day and posting a farewell Instagram on Sept. 11.
Solo single out the same day he reported for duty
SEVENTEEN rapper Vernon (최한솔, 27) released solo single I'll Be Back on August 20, 2026 — the exact date he entered basic military training before transitioning to social service worker status. He wrote and composed the track himself.
On September 11, Vernon posted a photo on Instagram showing him seated near the cockpit of a small aircraft with a guardian. The caption read: "I'll Be Back."
He has pre-prepared content lined up to reach fans throughout his service period.
103 registered songs and a duo unit before he left
Vernon is a registered member of the Korean Music Copyright Association with 103 songs on record as of August 2025. He also formed duo unit V8 with fellow SEVENTEEN member DK (디에잇) ahead of his enlistment.
His recent feature credits include Miss You (July 20, 2023), 54321 (Lift Off) (December 4, 2024), and 꿈속의 문 (Moon) (April 19, 2025).
SEVENTEEN's run heading into the hiatus
SEVENTEEN debuted May 26, 2015 with mini album 17 CARAT. The 13-member group comprises S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, Dohoon, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino. Vernon has been the group's hip-hop unit rapper throughout.
Before his enlistment, the group released 17 IS RIGHT HERE (best album) on April 29, 2024. SPILL THE FEELS (mini 12th album) followed on October 14, 2024. A Japanese single, 消費期限, came November 27, 2024. Their 5th full album HAPPY BURSTDAY dropped May 26, 2025.
Vernon was born February 18, 1998 in New York City, grew up in Hoboken, New Jersey, and moved to Korea around age four. He left school in his second year of middle school to pursue homeschooling while training. Two words. That's all it took.
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