Remaining BTS members could begin military service this year

Boy band BTS [WEVERSE]

Members RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook of boy band BTS have begun preparations for their mandatory military service and may start serving as early as next month.

“We would like to inform the fans, who have always loved and supported BTS, that members RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook have began the procedure to fulfill their military duties,” BTS’s agency BigHit Music said Wednesday.

“We ask for your unwavering love and support until RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook finish their duties and return healthily. The company also promises to provide them with all the support and affection we can give them.”

In Korea, all able-bodied young men are required to serve around one and a half years in the military unless determined unfit for service. The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism can request to postpone the service of certain individuals up until a man reaches 30 years of age, as was the case for BTS member Jin.

Members of BTS, from left: RM, Jungkook, V and Jimin [BIGHIT MUSIC]

BigHit Music first announced BTS members’ military enlistment on Oct. 17 last year. Jin, the oldest member, withdrew his postponement request papers in late October and began his service on Dec. 13. J-Hope followed on April 18 and Suga started his duties on Sept. 22.

The enlistment dates for the four members will all be announced separately. But, as in the case of Jin where it took less than two months for him to start his duties after beginning the preparatory procedures in late October, the four members could start as early as next month.

The goal for HYBE, the entertainment company that owns BigHit Music, is to have all members back together by 2025. In September, all seven members of BTS had agreed to renew their exclusive contracts with HYBE to “stay together in 2025 and beyond.”

"We will inform you of any follow-up information as soon as it's decided,” the agency said.

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]