On Monday, representatives for BTS confirmed what their legions of fans had feared for a long time: that the group’s members would serve in the South Korean military.
BigHit Music declared that all seven band members would serve their mandatory military obligation without asking for any postponements or special considerations. According to legend, the group’s oldest member, Jin will be the first to serve, and in 2025, once they have all finished their mandatory military service, the stars will get back together again.
Since the other members of BTS have previously been given two-year extensions, Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, might have been drafted as soon as early next year. He will turn 30 in December. That cast doubt on the band’s future and split the nation on whether or not to allow the much-loved musicians to postpone or avoid the draft.
South Korea mandates that all non-disabled men serve in the military for 18 to 21 months to protect themselves from their nuclear-armed neighbor to the north. Some people, like athletes, musicians, and others who help raise the country’s profile, are exempt from the regulation.
BigHit Music claimed the K-pop stars were «proud to serve» their country in a press release.
Following a «phenomenal concert to support Busan’s candidacy for the World Expo 2030,» the music agency deemed it the «ideal time» to make the announcement.
After his scheduled solo release at the end of October, Jin will reportedly initiate the procedure to enlist in the military, according to the agency.