"Serving face syndrome"— NCT's Jaehyun fans react as clips from a military completion ceremony go viral on social media

On December 10, 2024, NCT's Jaehyun became a trending topic on social media after clips from his recent military training graduation ceremony went viral online. The 27-year-old idol, who enlisted in the South Korean military in November stood out in his uniform among fellow recruits, earning admiration from fans worldwide.

In one widely shared clip, Jaehyun is seen standing in line during the ceremony, with other soldiers. Another captured moment showed the artist exchanging gentle pats with a woman believed to be his mother. While her face was blurred for privacy, fans speculated that it could be his family showing support on this important day.

The interaction warmed hearts, with many expressing hopes that he could spend meaningful time with loved ones before returning to duty.

Fans took to social media to share their sentiments. Some praised the idol for looking great while serving in the military. An X user, @cinnamotyong_ wrote,

"oh he’s really got a severe case of serving face syndrome."

Others also joined in to celebrate the significance of the event with some noting its alignment with Jaehyun's 11th anniversary as a member of SM Rookies.

"today is jaehyun's 11th sm rookie anniv and also today jaehyun's graduation ceremony AAAAAAAA who's excited here?? YASH ITS ME!!," an X user added.

"Visual of nct and now visual of the military too," a fan remarked.

"serving face while serving the country exactly!," a netizen mentioned.

"He doesn't need any makeup," another user wrote.

During the ceremony, the recruits honored their parents by bowing and forming heart gestures, a tradition that resonated deeply with fans. This moment of gratitude and respect added to the significance of the day, further endearing the K-pop idol to his supporters.

"it's cute the cadettes also honor their parents by bowing and a heart sign on their graduation..," a fan commented.

"Jaehyun baby mode on infront of his mom . please he so adorable to see those dimples and those little things he points on where to put on his taekeugi badge," another X user remarked.

"holding a lookalike comp whoever wins replaces him in the military FREE YOU MY HEART," a user wrote.

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More about NCT's Jaehyun military enlistment

Jaehyun began his mandatory military service on November 4, 2024, as a member of the South Korean Army. Following fellow member Taeyong, he enlisted after a solo debut earlier in the year with his album J and single Unconditional.

Before his enlistment, he held his first solo fan meeting at the Seoul Olympic Handball Stadium, where he expressed gratitude to fans for their support. On his enlistment day, members of NCT, including Johnny, Doyoung, Ten, Jungwoo, and Taeyong, gathered to bid him farewell, showcasing the group's deep camaraderie.

Reports indicate that after the graduation ceremony, soldiers were allowed to leave the training center with family and friends before returning by 5 PM. The singer will remain at the center until December 12, when he will attend a discharge ceremony before transferring to his assigned unit.

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Fans previously caught a glimpse of the idol when a photo of him posing for an official military portrait went viral. The singer is anticipated to fulfill his mandatory 18-month military service by May 2026.