BTS fans crowd boot camp as V and RM begin military service

K-pop

Published: 11 Dec. 2023, 19:09 Updated: 11 Dec. 2023, 19:49

BTS fans crowd boot camp as V and RM begin military service

A red chartered bus featuring BTS V's face parked in front of the military boot camp in Nonsan, South Chuncheong on Monday, as members V and RM begin their mandatory military service. [YONHAP]

The military boot camp in Nonsan, South Chungcheong, was crowded with ARMY, fans of K-pop superstar BTS, on Monday afternoon. They had gathered together, despite the drizzling rain, to get a glimpse of their superstars heading into the camp to officially begin their mandatory military service.

BTS's RM, V write to fans before joining Army on Monday

The fans were spotted waiting at the entrance of the camp, some in tears. However, the vehicle containing members V and RM passed through the gate at around 1 p.m. without further ado. The rest of the BTS members, who'd accompanied the two members as a show of support, were also inside the vehicle, according to the reports.

BTS members Jin, left, and J-Hope, are on their first vacation since their enlistment to accompany RM and V on Monday as the latter two members begin their official duty. [YONHAP]

BTS fans wait outside the entrance of the boot camp in Nonsan, South Chungcheong on Monday to bid farewell to BTS members V and RM. [YONHAP]

Though BigHit Music had previously asked fans to refrain from visiting the boot camp, dozens turned up nonetheless. A red chartered bus featuring the face of V and a message reading, “Happy V Day, Happy Birthday Taehyung,” even made an appearance. V's real name is Kim Tae-hyung, and his birthday is Dec. 30.

Though the members kept a low profile on Monday, they said their goodbyes over the weekend.

Jimin and Jungkook, who haven't started their mandatory service yet, will enlist on Tuesday. All members of BTS will be serving in the military as of this week.

BY YIM SEUNG-HYE [yim.seunghye@joongang.co.kr]