BTS’ military service confirmed: Agency announces Jin’s enlistment

The moment the world was waiting for arrived on October 17, 2022, as BIGHIT MUSIC confirmed BTS’ military service. The South Korean pop septet, who took over the world and brought K-pop to an unbelievable level, will be moving forward with their much-debated plan for conscription.

BIGHIT MUSIC shared that RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook will honorably serve their country. It also states that the group will not be enlisting together simultaneously but will continue their promotions individually or in units.

The first member to begin BTS’ military service chain will be the oldest of the group, Jin, aka Kim Seok-jin. A date for his enlistment has not yet been set. However, he will be enlisting after his solo activities conclude this month, i.e., October 2022.

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BIGHIT MUSIC finally confirms BTS’ military service, gives details about group members’ enlistment plans

On October 17, 2022, the much-heated debate about BTS’ military service, which divided the world and South Koreans, was put to rest by BIGHIT MUSIC. The agency proudly announced its plans for the septet undergoing conscription to fulfill their duties as South Koreans:

“BIGHIT MUSIC is proud to announce today that the members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service. After the phenomenal concert to support Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each individual embarks on solo endeavors, it’s the perfect time and the members of BTS are honored to serve.”

The statement released on Weverse gave details about the mandatory military service and plans of the group. It emphasized the septet’s incomprehensible power that turned the tide for the K-pop industry. The statement mentioned the conscription as a “milestone moment” that has finally arrived.

“Since the creation of BTS over ten years ago, the band has risen to international success, broken records, and catapulted K-Pop into the global stratosphere. BIGHIT MUSIC has focused to the milestone moment when it would be possible to respect the needs of the country and for these healthy young men to serve with their countrymen, and that’s now.”

The agency proceeded to give details on member-specific enlistment. BTS’ military service will begin with Jin, 30, serving his country after his solo activities end this month. Barely two days before the statement was released, Jin revealed plans to be the second member after j-hope to make a solo debut with a single album.

“Group member Jin will initiate the process as soon as his schedule for his solo release is concluded at the end of October. He will then follow the enlistment procedure of the Korean government.”

Additionally, the remaining members, SUGA, RM, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, will enlist as they see fit. They will complete their military duties in the next three years and will reunite as seven members around 2025:

“Other members of the group plan to carry out their military service based on their own individual plans. Both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment.”

As per The Guardian, able-bodied South Korean men are required to serve in the military. The duration lies anywhere from 18 months to 21 months.

Since BTS’ military service as a group is scheduled to last around three years, it may be possible that multiple members might enlist together while others will keep the content ball rolling.