Donghae will serve as a conscripted policeman, a substitute to active duty in armed forces, after the completion of four weeks of basic training at a boot camp in Nonsan, South Chungcheong Province.

Siwon, another member, is scheduled to follow suit on Nov. 19, also as a conscripted policeman. He is currently starring in MBC’s drama “She Was Pretty.” 

Of the idol group’s original 12 members (the number of members has fluctuated between 10 and 12), four -- Kangin, Yesung, Heechul and Leeteuk -- have completed duty, while three others -- Shindong, Sungmin and Eunhyuk -- are currently serving. 

The two-year-long military service applies to all able-bodied Korean men in a country that is still technically at war with North Korea.

By Kim Yu-jin (kimyujin@heraldcorp.com)