'I'll Return Stronger': Kim Dong Han Ends WE Entertainment Contract in Heartfelt Letter Before Enlistment

South Korean singer Kim Dong Han has ended his 12-year exclusive contract with OUI Entertainment and is now preparing to enlist as an active-duty soldier on 7 September 2026. The agency, also known as WE, confirmed on 25 August that both sides agreed to part ways after discussions about his upcoming military service.

In a handwritten letter shared on social media, Dong Han addressed his fans, known as RUi, promising to 'hurry back and greet you again with an even better version of myself.' He reflected on his years with WEi, thanked his agency and ended with a promise to return healthier and stronger.

Singer Admits Unease Over Sudden Announcement

OUI Entertainment first announced Dong Han's enlistment date on 9 August, with the end of his contract confirmed separately on 25 August. In his letter, Dong Han admitted he felt uneasy about delivering such sudden news, writing that the reality of his upcoming military service only began to sink in when he sat down to put his feelings into words.

Looking back on a career that began with his 2017 appearance on Produce 101 Season 2, Dong Han reflected on his time with project group JBJ, his solo career and his 2020 debut with WEi. He described his years with the group as a 'tearfully happy time.'

During their active promotions, Dong Han wrote that he was able to 'learn, laugh, and ponder' alongside his members. The experience helped him grow into a stronger person through moments he could never have experienced alone.

He described his bond with fans as a 'great happiness and blessing'. The years spent promoting, he added, were more than time simply passing. They became a collection of precious memories he wanted to cherish for a very long time.

Dong Han Sees Service as Chance To Reflect

Dong Han told fans he saw his military service as the first real chance in his life to step back, reflect on himself, focus on his wellbeing and learn new things.

He admitted he regretted having to leave their side, but urged them not to worry. He lightened the mood with a promise to 'eat really well', adding with a laugh that they should not worry too much.

He closed with a direct appeal to his fans: 'Will you wait for me just a little while?' Dong Han then promised to return as a healthier and stronger person.

Before entering the entertainment industry, he trained in both Aikido and Hapkido. That makes him one of two WEi members with a martial arts background, alongside Kim Yohan, who trained in Taekwondo.

Dong Han Thanks OUI and Longtime Staff

The letter also marked a formal farewell to OUI Entertainment. Dong Han thanked company representative Wee Myeong-hee and the staff who had supported him throughout their 12-year relationship, dating back to his early trainee years.

OUI Entertainment, in turn, thanked him for his dedication as an artist and said it would continue to support his future endeavours.

Dong Han's enlistment comes as WEi's members begin entering a new chapter shaped by mandatory military service. Bandmate Jang Dae-hyeon had originally planned to enlist in the second half of 2024, but his service was postponed after a physical examination.

Dae-hyeon continued promoting with the group through its Wonderland activities until January 2026. His military service is now scheduled for 2026.

In line with Military Manpower Administration guidelines, no public event will be held on the day of Dong Han's enlistment. OUI Entertainment cited safety concerns at the site, which will also be attended by other service members and their families, and explicitly asked fans not to visit in person.