Big Hit Music have affirmed that each of the seven members of BTS will serve their mandatory military terms without special exceptions.
On October 17, Big Hit Music made an announcement reporting that all members of BTS are intending to satisfy their mandatory military service terms as required of all able-bodied male South Korean citizens. The boyband recently performed for the first time in 6th months at their ‘Yet To Come’ concert in Busan on October 15, which was additionally live-streamed worldwide for free.
“After the phenomenal concert to support Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each member embarks on solo endeavours, it’s the perfect time and the members of BTS are honoured to serve,” wrote the agency.
Big Hit added that eldest member Jin will “initiate the process” when he wraps up promotions for his upcoming solo release in late October. The singer first declared his plans to release a solo single during the act’s Busan concert over the weekend.
“Other members of the group plan to carry out their military service based on their own individual plans,” said the agency, adding that “both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment”.
This proposes that some of the group’s younger members might be enrolling sooner than expected, since youngest member Jungkook would simply be expected to serve in 2027 at the most recent.
The news comes after a months-long public debate on whether the boyband ought to be excluded from service, or be granted special allowances given their contributions to the South Korean economy.
Earlier this month, the South Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shared that it would “finalise” its position on BTS’ military service by December 2022, when oldest member Jin turns 30. At the time of Big Hit Music’s statement, the South Korean government has not reported its official position on the group’s enrollment.
Topics #Big Hit Music #BTS
