{
  "id": 4099560,
  "title": "How will 13-member SEVENTEEN navigate military hiatus with just 5 members?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/how-will-13-member-seventeen-navigate-military-hiatus-with-just-5-4099560",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-29T04:07:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/k-pop/20260829/how-will-13-member-seventeen-navigate-military-hiatus-with-just-5-members"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "SEVENTEEN, a group known for its unity and synchronized performances featuring all 13 members, is facing an unprecedented challenge as eight members are set to enter mandatory military service starting in October. With only five members able to participate in activities, the impact on SEVENTEEN's identity could be significant. The group, which debuted in 2015 and renewed its contracts with Pledis Entertainment twice, has always emphasized the importance of its 13-member lineup. From wearing matching team rings to performing intricate, synchronized choreography, the 13 members have always been an integral part of SEVENTEEN's image. The upcoming absence of eight members, either currently serving or about to start service, will require the remaining five to adapt and find new ways to maintain the group's dynamic and appeal.",
  "summary": "For SEVENTEEN, a group that has built much of its identity around the chemistry and synchronized performances of all 13 members, the looming absence of eight members due to mandatory military service poses an unusual challenge. Beginning in October, only five members will be available for activities as eight are either currently fulfilling their military duties or are set to begin service. The…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "How will 13-member SEVENTEEN navigate military hiatus with just 5 members?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/how-will-13-member-seventeen-navigate-military-hiatus-with-just-5",
        "published": "2026-08-29T04:02:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}