BTS' Jung Kook, V, Jimin and RM are getting ready to enlist in the South Korean army.
On Dec. 5, the group’s label, BigHit Music, shared a message about the four members of the K-pop group's upcoming enlistment on their Weverse, thanking their fans for their "continued love and support for BTS."
"RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook will fulfill their required time with the military by enlisting in the army. RM and V will be enlisting according to their respective procedures, while Jimin and Jung Kook are scheduled to enlist together," the statement reads. "Please note that there will be no official event on the day of their entry."
The label notes that to prevent any issues that might occur from crowding, the entrance ceremony is only for military personnel and the members' families. "Fans are advised to refrain from visiting the site. Please convey your warm regards and encouragement in your hearts only."
"We ask for your continued love and support for RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook until they complete their military service and return," the statement continues, adding that the label will "also strive to provide all the support they need during this time."
In a Weverse live, the four members got together, shared some memories together and sent a message to their fans.
RM said, “We’ll go and come back healthy and smiling. Jin will return quickly and fill the empty space.”
V also expressed, “Thank you for giving us such valuable experiences and gifts. I made so many memories with ‘Layover’ album so thank you.”
He also teased new songs and “a lot of content” that he’s prepped in the meantime. “So please look forward to it.”
BTS went on hiatus in 2022, and announced in October of that year that the eldest members of the group were starting their personal enlisting process.
Jin, 31, was the first BTS member to enlist, followed by J-Hope, 29, and Suga, 30, who enlisted in September 2023.
Why is BTS going to the military?
By South Korean law, all young, able-bodied men between the ages of 18 to 28 must serve between 18 to 21 months in the military, with no exceptions for K-pop stars.
Because of BTS' success, in 2020, a revision was made to the country’s Military Service Act. According to the New York Times, the new law lets K-pop stars or entertainers postpone their military service until they turn 30.
This let Jin, the eldest BTS member and who was turning 30 in December 2022, defer his service.
Did BTS break up?
No, BTS did not break up before they began their military enlistments.
They did, however, go on hiatus. In June 2022, BTS announced that they would be taking a break to pursue their solo careers and projects.
During BTS’ Festa dinner, which celebrates their founding, RM said that while they've accomplished many things together, they needed to develop and mature as individuals and solo artists.
“I think we should spend some time apart to learn how to be one again,” J-Hope added. “I hope you don’t see this as a negative thing, and see it as a healthy plan. I think BTS will become stronger that way.”
When will BTS get back together?
It is understood that the seven members will get back together and continue being a part of BTS after they've completed their military services.
BTS is expected to get back together in 2025.
Which BTS members have enlisted in the military?
Jin, J-Hope and Suga have already enlisted in the South Korean military and are currently serving. While all members vary in age, they took, and are taking, their personal steps to enlist before the age of 30.
Jung Kook, V, RM and Jimin will be the next four members to enlist. However, at this time their start date as not been confirmed.
When did Jin enlist in the military?
Jin became the first member of BTS to go to the military. He entered the military in December 2022.
On his birthday, Dec. 4, he shared a message with his fans on Weverse, as well as an update on his military service.
"Hello, I’m Jin. Thank you for wishing me a happy birthday," the message translated into English reads, adding that he's always enjoyed celebrating his birthday with the BTS Army, "But unfortunately, I can’t enjoy it this year, so it’s heartbreaking."
"It’s already been a year since I joined the military," he continued in part. "There’s still a lot of time left, but I’m already excited to be with you if I spend only a third of the total time. Oh, and our members are going to join the army..LOL. LOL. I’m going to cry. I hope that time passes quickly and I can have a good time with the members and the Army."
He concluded, "I’m currently Sergeant Kim Seok-jin after one more early promotion due to my outstanding military career."
When did J-Hope enlist in the military?
J-Hope was the second BTS member to enter the military. According to Reuters, he began his mandatory military service on April 18, 2023.
A day before his official start date, all seven members reunited to give him a farewell.
When did Suga enlist in the military?
Suga began his military service on September 22, 2023, per BigHit Music.
This came after the artist released his album, "D-Day," under the name of Agust D, in April of this year. He also embarked on his "Suga Agust D Tour," which concluded on Aug. 6 in Seoul, South Korea.
“I’ll faithfully serve and come back … Please stay healthy and let’s meet all again in 2025!” Suga wrote on Weverse, per AP.