BTS stars to provide military assignments in South Korea

October 19, 2022: -The global superstars of BTS will complete their mandatory military service in South Korea, the group’s representatives said Monday, confirming a move long dreaded by their army of fans.

The group’s seven partners resolved all meet their requirement to serve and not seek any other delays or certain exemptions, BigHit Music said in a statement. It noted that the most senior member Jin will be the first to do, with the leads to reconvene as a group again around 2025 after fulfilling their service commitment.

Jin, 29, had faced potential enlistment starting early next year after he turns 30 in December, with BTS members already granted a two-year extension. That had left a cloud over the group’s future and divided the country over whether to allow the beloved band to delay distance or cut the draft entirely.

Under South Korean law, all non-disabled fellows are expected to serve 18 to 21 months in the military to protect against the danger from the country’s nuclear-armed neighbor, North Korea. But the law allows certain exemptions for some, including athletes, musicians, and others who enrich the country’s prestige.

BigHit Music stated that the K-pop celebrities were “honored to serve” their country.

The music agency said it was the “perfect time” for the announcement following a “phenomenal concert to support Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030.”

Jin is expected to start the method of joining the military as soon as the schedule for his solo release ends at the end of October, the group’s agency said.

Other members of the firm plan to carry out their military service based on their goals, BigHit Music declared.

“Since the creation of BTS more than ten years ago, the band has risen to international success, broken forms, and catapulted K-pop into the global stratosphere,” the agency said.

The agency said it contained been waiting for the “milestone moment when it would be able to respect the needs and for these healthy young men to provide with their countrymen, and that’s now.”

The decision comes after South Korea’s military signaled in recent weeks that it wanted to conscript members of the K-pop supergroup for mandatory service.

Lee Ki Sik, the commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, had told legislators earlier this month that it was “desirable” for BTS members to complete their service duties to ensure fairness. Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup made similar comments during a parliamentary committee meeting.