In the drama 'Knowing Bros,', Yoonho Yoon declined an offer to serve as a professional sergeant.

TVXQ's Yoo Junho revealed on JTBC's variety show "Knowing Bros," which aired on July 25, 2023, that he had been offered a position as a professional sergeant during his military service. He disclosed the information more than six months after his discharge. Yoo Junho recalled his military experience, saying, "It was actually fun. You just follow orders, and they feed you." He said he called his agency, SM Entertainment, to say, "I've been offered a professional sergeant position. There's no one in this industry who's done it, so if I'm going to do it, I want to go first." Senior executives at his agency opposed the idea, telling him to "not forget your duty." Yoo Junho responded, "This time won't come back. Since there's no perfect timing, if I'm going to do it, I have to do it properly."

Army service story shared on 'Knowing Bros' leader special

Episode 537 of JTBC's "Knowing Bros," which aired on July 25, 2023, was themed around K-POP leaders. Guests included TVXQ's Yoo Junho, BTOB's Seo Eunkwang, Oh My Girl's Hyojung, and BoyNextDoor's Myung Jae-hyun. Yoo Junho explained that he earned the nickname "SM ghost" because he still visits his agency whenever he has free time. He shared anecdotes from his military service, turning the studio into laughter. Yoo Junho reiterated, "This time won't come back. Since there's no perfect timing, if I'm going to do it, I have to do it properly." Seo Chang-hoon commented, "If you had done it, it would've been a huge success. Isn't it the first time for a celebrity?" Yoo Junho added, "If I'm going to do it, I want to be the first," showing his unique passion.

Announcing retirement from 'Happy Birthday' meme after Karina's birthday

Yoo Junho mentioned the "Changmin, happy birthday" meme on "Knowing Bros." He declared, "I'll say it here. I'm retiring from 'Happy Birthday' next year." He explained that he had filmed a birthday message for Aespa's GISELLE at Karina's request, and Karina asked if he could do the same for her birthday. Yoo Junho said, "I've been getting too many birthday requests lately. I have to mean it. You can tell from the voice. I hate insincerity. As a singer, it's hard." He added, "I'll retire on Karina's birthday next year," and predicted, "I'll keep doing it until April next year." When Seo Chang-hoon asked, "If you retire next year, but a huge ad comes in July, won't you do it?" Yoo Junho firmly replied, "I won't. I'll stop after April next year."

Agency opposition and the meaning of military service

Yoo Junho ultimately declined the professional sergeant offer due to opposition from SM Entertainment's senior executives. He said, "Senior executives at the company told me, 'Don't forget your duty.'" This was a moment when he nearly became the first celebrity to become a "military post." While Yoo Junho said his military service was enjoyable, he chose to discharge because of his agency's opposition. He emphasized again, "This time won't come back. Since there's no perfect timing, if I'm going to do it, I have to do it properly."