B.I Begins Military Service: Former iKON Leader to Serve as Public Service Worker

B.I is heading to the military. On March 10, 2026, 131LABEL confirmed that the rapper, producer, and former iKON leader will begin his mandatory military service on March 16, serving as a public service worker (social service agent) rather than active duty.

"B.I is scheduled to begin his alternative service as a Social Service Agent on the 16th in order to fulfill his duty as a citizen of the Republic of Korea," 131LABEL stated in their official announcement. The agency added that no official events will be held on the day of his enlistment, asking fans to respect the artist's privacy.

A Solo Career Built From Scratch

The 29-year-old artist, born Kim Hanbin on October 22, 1996, has spent the past six years rebuilding his career after departing iKON and YG Entertainment in June 2019. What followed was arguably one of K-pop's most impressive solo reinventions.

Under 131LABEL, which he founded, B.I released a string of solo projects that proved his creative independence wasn't just intact but thriving. His 2021 debut album Waterfall showcased his range beyond rap, while the 2022 global project Love or Loved spawned the viral hit "BTBT" featuring Soulja Boy and DeVita. His third studio album Wonderland dropped in June 2025 to critical acclaim, cementing his status as one of the scene's most versatile solo acts.

The iKON Legacy

Before going solo, B.I served as iKON's leader, main rapper, and primary producer from the group's 2015 debut through 2019. His fingerprints are all over the group's catalog, credited as the sole record producer on all iKON releases. The crown jewel? "Love Scenario" (사랑을 했다), which topped South Korea's Gaon Digital Chart for all of 2018 and earned him the Songwriter of the Year award at the Melon Music Awards.

Rolling Stone later named "Love Scenario" one of the "100 greatest songs in the history of Korean pop music." The track became a cultural phenomenon in Korea, with elementary school students across the country singing it until teachers reportedly begged for mercy.

What Public Service Means

B.I's designation as a public service worker (공익근무요원) is one of several alternative service options in South Korea's conscription system. While active duty soldiers serve 18 to 21 months depending on their branch, public service workers typically serve around 21 months in civilian government roles. The designation is usually granted for health-related reasons, though specific circumstances are kept private.

For fans, the timeline means B.I should complete his service by late 2027 or early 2028. In April 2025, shortly after wrapping the Oceanian leg of his Hype Up world tour, he was announced as the representative producer of 131LABEL, a role he'll presumably resume after discharge.

131LABEL emphasized their support for B.I during his service period and thanked fans for their understanding. For now, the comeback king goes quiet, but if his post-2019 trajectory proves anything, it's that B.I knows how to stage a return.