“He’s going straight to work”— Fans go gaga as EXO’s Kai is reported to make a comeback in the 1st quarter of 2025

EXO’s Kai is set to return from the military in just a couple of days, and fans are thrilled to hear he’s already planning a comeback shortly thereafter. On November 5, 2024, SM Entertainment shared a preview of their artist lineup for the first quarter of 2025, and fans quickly noticed his name on the list.

Although the list provides only an estimate of who will release music and when, seeing Kai's has ignited excitement across social media, with fans eagerly anticipating his return. One fan even noted how he will be jumping back into work almost immediately after his discharge, showing his dedication to both EXO and his supporters. One user on X tweeted:

“He’s going straight to work.”

Some of the other fans expressed their excitement via their comments.

"Comeback fresh from military I AM SO READY," a fan said.

"OH MY GODDDDDD PLEASE, thank you KIM JONGIN," another fan enthusiastically exclaimed.

"Barely coming back from army and already releasing music he loves us," one person expressed.

Others praised the idol for his potential return.

"KING IS COMING BACK," a fan coined.

"Mr. Rover is coming over omg," another fan punned.

"He's SOOO Back," an X user said.

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SM Entertainment unveils 4th quarter 2024 and 1st quarter 2025 plans, including Kai's possible comeback

EXO's Kai enlisted for South Korea's mandatory military service on May 11, 2023. His enlistment made him the seventh and second-to-last EXO member to begin military duty, following Xiumin, D.O., Suho, Chen, Chanyeol, and Baekhyun.

Initially, he had planned to enlist later in the year, but due to recent changes in military service regulations, he was required to enter service sooner than expected. This sudden news took both fans and his EXO members by surprise, leading to a heartfelt and emotional farewell. SM Entertainment did not disclose the specific location or unit of his enlistment, maintaining his privacy.

Before his enlistment, Kai hosted a live broadcast to share his thoughts with fans. During the broadcast, he expressed his deep gratitude for their support and promised to return safely, eager to perform for them once again.

After completing 18 months of military service, EXO's Kai is set for his official release on November 7, 2024. SM Entertainment recently revealed their artist lineup preview for the first quarter of 2025, which includes Kai’s name, signaling a possible comeback early next year.

This announcement has fueled excitement among fans, who are eagerly looking forward to his new music and performances. Alongside the EXO star, other SM artists like LUCAS, NCT’s Mark and Ten, and Red Velvet’s Seulgi are also expected to make comebacks, making it an exciting period for fans of the label’s artists.

Reporter Kim Su-jeong reported via Naver that for the fourth quarter of the current year and early next year, SM revealed key plans, including the debut of a new girl group. This group, which marks SM's first new girl group since Aespa five years ago, was set to launch this year but has been delayed. They will begin promotions with a single release.

Recent releases include SHINee’s Minho’s first full album, Call Back, on November 4, and NCT DREAM’s fourth full album, Dreamscape, set for November 11. Additionally, Taeyeon and WayV are preparing mini-albums, while SM’s first virtual artist, nævis, will release a single.

In January, SM will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a special SMTOWN LIVE concert and an SM Town album, alongside various commemorative projects. Planned releases include NCT Mark’s first solo full album, EXO Kai’s mini-album following his return from military service, and mini-albums by Red Velvet’s Seulgi, NCT U’s Wish, and NCT Ten.