BTS are set to join the military in South Korea, to fulfil their compulsory duties to the country, as announced by their representatives.
K-pop seven-piece, BTS made a shocking announcement to their colossal fanbase through their management company HYBE, and label Big Hit Music on Monday (October 17). As stipulated by law, all seven members of the legendary boy band must complete mandatory service in the South Korean military.
The oldest member, Jin, will be the first to face enlistment, when he turns 30 in December of this year. Thereafter, “all other members will also serve mandatory military duty according to their plans,” declares HYBE.
As stated by Big Hit Music, “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.”
The company continues, “BIGHIT MUSIC has focused to 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.”
[#오늘의방탄] 2022 더팩트 뮤직 어워즈 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 아미들의 사랑과 정성으로 가득히 채운 7관왕 정말정말 감사합니다💜 부산콘서트에서 만나요!💜 #BTS #방탄소년단 #상탄소년단 #우리아미상받았네 #7방탄소중해 pic.twitter.com/9YqbHxR9Uv
— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) October 8, 2022
According to South Korean law, all able-bodied men from the country, aged between 18-28, are required to complete military service. That being said, certain exemptions have reportedly been made in the past for Olympic athletes, musicians and other prominent figures.
However, it appears as though exemptions may not be on the cards for BTS members. Their label, Big Hit Music concluded their announcement by stating the following: “Both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment.”
