Military service is mandatory for all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 in South Korea, with exemptions made for athletes, traditional musicians and dancers. The upper age was delayed for BTS in 2020, but now it has been announced that all members of the group will serve.
Members of K-pop band BTS are to fulfil their requirement to do military service in South Korea, their representatives say.
Label Big Hit Music said it was proud to make the announcement and that the members of BTS are “honored to serve” their country.
The band – RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook – will reconvene “around 2025” following their service commitment, the company said.
All able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 in South Korea must perform between 18 and 21 months of military service.
However, exemptions are made for athletes, classical and traditional musicians and dancers who have won top prizes in competitions which boost the prestige of the country.
However, they are now “moving forward with plans” to fulfill their service, Big Hit Music said.
The oldest member of the group, Jin, aged 29, will be the first to start.
Agencies