It has been announced that BTS members will soon join the military. The same has been confirmed by Big Hit Music via a tweet. The music company shared lengthy statements in English, Japanese, and Chinese to confirm that all members of the popular band will complete their required military service soon.
The music label said in a statement that Jin will begin his journey as early as the end of October. Additionally, by 2025, they will come back together as a boy band and will drop more songs for the army.
“It’s a perfect time and the members of BTS are honoured to serve”
“BigHit Music is proud to announce today that the members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfil their military service. After the phenomenal concert to support Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each individual embarks on solo endeavours, it’s a perfect time and the members of BTS are honoured to serve,” the music company shared in the statement.
It further read, “Since the creation of BTS over ten years ago, the band has risen to international success, broken records, and catapulted K-Pop into the global stratosphere. BigHit Music has focused on the milestone moment when it would be possible to respect the needs of the country and for these healthy young men to serve with their countrymen, and that’s now. Group member Jin will initiate the process as soon as his schedule for his solo release is concluded at the end of October.”
BTS is looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025
“He will then follow the enlistment procedure of the Korean government. Other members of the group plan to carry out their military service based on their own individual plans. Both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment.”
The statement further read, “With the release of their first anthology album earlier this year it opened the path to allow the members to take some time to explore individual projects. As part of the HYBE family, we support and encourage our artists and are beyond proud that they will each now have time to explore their unique interests and do their duty by being of service to the country they call home. ‘Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)’ is more than a track from their latest album, it is a promise, there’s much more yet to come in the years ahead from BTS.”
All male citizens between the ages of 18-28 are obligated to perform a 2-year military enlistment
All male citizens of South Korea aged 18 to 28 are required to serve in the military for about two years to guard against North Korea.
The oldest member of BTS, Kim Seok-jin, will join the military on December 4 when he turns 30. A new law will allow Min Yoon-ki, the second-oldest member, to enlist in the military in 2024.
Fans have been arguing whether BTS would be required to serve in the military or will be exempt. According to certain polls, the majority of South Koreans favour granting the group members exemptions from military service or providing them with an alternative. In South Korea, where inequality and privilege are very sensitive issues, exemptions from military duty are particularly contentious.