BTS Members RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook Prepare to Enlist in South Korean Military Service
Four additional members of popular South Korean boy band BTS, namely RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, are preparing to fulfill their mandatory military service, adding to the group's ongoing hiatus
Four additional members of the South Korean boy band BTS are preparing to fulfill their mandatory military service, adding to the group's ongoing hiatus. With this development, all seven members of BTS are either currently serving in the South Korean military or in the process of enlisting.
"We would like to inform our fans that RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook have initiated the military enlistment process," the bands music label BIGHIT Music wrote in a statement.
BTS was in attendance at the 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 03, 2022. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
BTS members to embark on mandatory military service
"The artists are preparing to fulfill their military service duties. We will inform you of further updates in due course," it added.
"We humbly request your ongoing love and support for RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook as they fulfill their military service and return safely. Our company is committed to offering unwavering support for our artists," the statement concluded.
In South Korea, military service is compulsory for nearly all physically capable men, who are mandated to serve in the army for 18 months before reaching the age of 28.
In 2020, South Korea's parliament passed a bill allowing pop stars who excel in popular culture and art to defer their military service until the age of 30. More recently, in October 2022, the band members were announced to begin their military service, with Jin, the oldest member, being the first to start the process.
SUGA is BTS' third member to enlist in military service.
Juan Ocampo/NBAE/Getty Images
BTS member Suga begins military service in South Korea
Jin turned 30 in 2022, and the band also announced a break from group musical activities to pursue solo projects in June that year.
Members J-Hope and Suga enlisted earlier this year.
BIGHIT Music has indicated that BTS is expected to reunite as a group around 2025. The record label has taken into consideration the timing of the band members' military service in order to respect the needs of the country and the health of the young men, and has concluded that the time is now.
BTS formed in 2013 with seven members: RM, Jin, V, J-Hope, Suga, Jimin and Jungkook.
The band went on to achieve global fame, with number one singles in more than 100 countries around the world.
In 2022, BTS was the 5th most streamed artist in the world on Spotify, and the most streamed K-pop artist.
