ARMYs Triggered By Ministry of Defense — What Happened?
For a long time, local and international media outlets have been tuning in to BTS and their enlistment. The South Korean legislative body even proposed Bill to pardon the seven-member boy group from the mandatory program.
Last October 17, 2022, BTS and their agency confirmed their participation in mandatory military service, therefore drawing the hotspot of discussion.
The Ministry of National Defense conducted a regular press briefing, and the government agency mentioned something that provoked the ARMYs.
What Triggered the ARMYs?
The Ministry of National Defense of South Korea held a press briefing last October 18, 2022, from which Moon Hong Shik, a representative from the ministry, stated that BTS would be allowed to perform while enlisted.
"If it is for public service to the nation, or for national events or performances which benefit the nation, [BTS] will be given the opportunity to take part in performances and activities should they wish."
Continuing his announcement, the official added that enlisted soldiers are currently permitted to do such. However, this statement drew various feedback from local and international ARMYs.
Although the ARMYs recognized how essential BTS is in revenue production in South Korea, fans of the most Daesang-awarded group could not help but get upset with the Ministry's announcement.
As a rule of thumb, any enlisted Korean man cannot earn money from any activity. Therefore, the fans speculate that the government will economically exploit BTS if they allow them to perform (may it be an individual or group activity), despite being enlisted.
RELATED ARTICLE: BTS to Enlist in Mandatory Military Service Starting With THIS Member
Some fans expressed their disappointment through Twitter as they see this government gesture as "selfish," as it is trying to frame and capitalize the boys while rendering military service.
How about you leave them alone? They had years to make a good decision for everyone. They didnt. Now leave they boys alone and suffer they consequences of YOUR actions https://t.co/khyTUYGVer
— Steffi 💕 Amru missing Tae mangie much 😭🤧 (@dateffi) October 18, 2022
ARMYs also showed concern about BTS and that the government should respect their decision to enlist. Additionally, military enlistment is a platform to give BTS a deserved break as the group has been active since 2013 and only affords a few months of hiatus.
A Gift Before Enlisting
On a bright note, at midnight of October 19, 2022, BIG HIT Music released the much-awaited details for Jin's solo single.
With the formal announcement on their verified social media accounts, Jin's solo song is entitled 'The Astronaut', and the logo trailer features an animation related to the song title.
Below is the logo trailer uploaded by BIG HIT Music:
The Astronaut
— BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) October 18, 2022
2022.10. 28. 1PM (KST)
👨🚀 https://t.co/C9HTwK7ove#진 #Jin #TheAstronaut pic.twitter.com/sOxcYyf6aQ
Moreover, the agency also released the promotion schedule for 'The Astronaut'.
#진 #Jin 'The Astronaut' Promotion Schedule#TheAstronaut pic.twitter.com/Gf714gePH7
— BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) October 18, 2022
Upon its release, the ARMYs assembled to praise Jin's discography and artistry. Supplementarily, the ARMYs cannot help but notice how the purple lights were incorporated in the logo trailer, thus, assuming how Jin is integrating the ARMYs with his contents.
The discography of Kim Seokjin always serves pic.twitter.com/TxzOZtFMI0
— Imen⁷ ⟭⟬ 🦋💜 (@BTS21_2019) October 18, 2022
Interestingly, the "mysterious artist" whom Jin collaborated with for this project is yet to be publicized. Stay tuned to BTS and BIG HIT Music's social media pages for updates on Jin's solo project.
READ MORE: BTS Jin To Receive Gift From THIS Band for KSJ1? Here Are Clues
KpopStarz owns this article.
Sophia Carson authored this article.
