BTS: Band Members Will Perform Mandatory Military Service In Korea

The members of the Korean K-Pop group bts will perform compulsory military service in South Korea, their label confirmed on Monday. Jin (29), the oldest Bangtan member, would start the enlistment process at the end of October.

“Group member Jin will kick off the process as soon as he wraps up his schedule for his solo release at the end of October. It will then follow the Korean government’s enlistment procedure (…) Other members of the group plan to carry out their military service based on their own individual plans.”referred to his label BigHit Music in a statement.

Likewise, it was announced that the return of BTS as a group is expected around the year 2025, according to the same record label.

In South Korea, the law dictates that all able-bodied men must serve between 18 and 21 months in the military. However, the same law provides possible exceptions for athletes, classical and traditional musicians, or other specialties that have won important prizes in prestigious competitions.

In 2020, the South Korean parliament passed a bill allowing K-Pop stars, those who “excel in popular culture and art,” to defer their mandatory military service until age 30.

Until now there was doubt as to whether the members of BTS would comply with the provisions of the South Korean government, but, after the record label’s announcement, this would be confirmed. More information is expected from the members who would join Jin in the military service.