BTS to Enlist in Mandatory Military Service Starting With THIS Member

Two days after the 'Yet to Come' concert in Busan, BIG HIT Music announced through their official Twitter account and WeVerse app that the two-time Grammy-nominated and the most Daesang awarded group, BTS, shall fulfill the plans to enlist for their mandatory Korean military service.

"BIGHIT MUSIC is proud to announce today that the members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service." - BIG HIT Music

In South Korea, all non-disabled men under 30 are required for military service. The South Korean government remains strict in implementing this policy as the country stays "technically at war" with North Korea, a country known for its nuclear arms and weapons.

The average duration of military service renders from 18 to 21 months. Currently, only Korean athletes (i.e., those who are Olympic medalists) and victors of music and art competitions who competed for South Korea are exempted from this policy.

In the legal context of South Korea, Bills have been filed to exempt "globally recognized male pop culture artists" such as BTS, who represented South Korea in the music landscape. Unfortunately, these Bills are still pending at the National Assembly.

BTS To Enlist Starting With THIS Member

The debate about BTS military enlistment has been a hotspot of discussion, to the point that even international individuals are bidding for comments. Many believe that with the immense contributions and recognition BTS has given their country's name and reputation, the global superstar should be excluded from the mandatory program.

Today, BIG HIT Music has clarified the stand of BTS members regarding Korean mandatory military enlistment.

BTS' agency supplemented the announcement by identifying Kim Seok-jin (professionally known as Jin) to be the first member of the elite boyband to fulfill his mandatory military service.

The eldest member of BTS, Jin, born in 1992, "has his conscriptions delayed" until the conclusion of 2022. Accordingly, to comply, Big Hit Music stated that Jin will withdraw his request to delay by the end of October 2022 and shall abide by the legal procedures stated in the Military Manpower Administration.

IN CASE YOU MISSED: BTS Jungkook & Jimin Share They Are Happy To Do THIS At 'Yet To Come in Busan'

After the enlistment of the eldest member, the other members, namely RM, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, shall execute their military service plans depending on their individual decisions.

ARMYs React To BTS' Mandatory Military Enlistment

Upon the release of the announcement, several ARMYs expressed their support to the boy band, most especially to Jin, who shall render military service ahead of the six other members. Fans have voiced out that they are willing to wait for each member's return until they resume all activities as seven members.

Optimistic ARMYs are citing that the plans to release KSJ1 this year is a gesture that Jin wants to leave ARMYs before formally joining the Korean military service.

It could be remembered that during the 'Yet to Come' in Busan, the 29-year-old idol teased the fans that his solo debut would feature a "collaboration with a mystery artist." This fueled the fans even more, to look forward to Jin's activities.

Fans cannot help but associate how thoughtful Jin is because he is known to leave gifts to his fans during special junctures. It could be remembered that in December 2021, as a gift to the fans who celebrated his birthday, he released "Super Tuna," which stormed the Internet and gained popularity in a snap.

IN CASE YOU MISSED THIS: KSJ1 IS COMING: Here's What BTS Jin Said About Upcoming Solo Debut

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Written by Sophia Carson.