EXO’s Kai Opens Up About Military Service: “Humble, Hardworking, and Full of Warmth”
EXO’s Kai prepares to return to the stage, fans are embracing a different side of the artist, one shaped during his time as a social service worker. On April 1, a new episode of “Salon Drip 2” titled “114 Secrets About Kai You Didn’t Know!”** featured Kai reflecting on his two-year military service, revealing a grounded and thoughtful chapter of his life.
“For two years, I lived not as Kai but as Kim Jong-in (Kai’s real name),” he shared.* “When I was Kai, I lived day by day, but as Kim Jong-in, I lived more purposefully.”*
Building Bonds and Living Purposefully
Kai served at a dementia care center, where he not only helped the elderly but formed close bonds with the staff. He shared that he often ate lunch with the team and even joined company dinners. “Someone told me, ‘I really like Do Kyung-soo. Have you ever met him?’” — referencing fellow EXO member D.O. by his real name.
He also mentioned being asked often about celebrities, “The staff asked if I knew IVE’s Jang Wonyoung, I don’t. The elderly were also very curious about Lim Young-woong.”
Kai took pride in his dedication, “I received about five days of special leave, which you can get through an evaluation, and I passed. Even when it wasn’t my duty, I helped with dishes, cleaning, and taking care of the elderly.”
Emotional Farewell and Messages to the Elderly
On his last day of service, Kai fulfilled every photo and autograph request, reminiscing about how people reacted when they learned he was a celebrity, “At first, they asked, ‘Who are you to take photos?’ But once they found out I was a singer, everyone wanted pictures.”
He ended the broadcast with a heartfelt message, “I hope the elderly are doing well. This is Kim Jong-in, please don’t forget the memories we shared. I’ll visit with coffee someday. I even want to invite them to a concert, to show them my true self as ‘Kai.’”
Praise Pours In from Co-Workers and Netizens
Following the broadcast, co-workers and netizens shared touching stories:
- “He was diligent, humble, and full of charm.”
- “He was always kind—not just to staff but to the elderly. Only good memories.”
- “He treated the elderly with warmth. EXO-Ls should know how good-hearted he is.”
Kai began his service in May 2023 and was discharged on February 10, 2025. His solo comeback is scheduled for March 21 at 6 PM KST with his fourth mini-album, “Wait On Me.”
With genuine warmth and humility, Kai has shown that even off-stage, he remains a model of grace, both as EXO’s Kai and as Kim Jong-in.