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

BTS members RM, left, and V [SCREEN CAPTURE, YONHAP]

BTS's RM and V bid farewell to fans before starting their mandatory military service on Monday.

"I've been able to live as a member of BTS for the past 10 years, which were happy moments for me," RM said on a Weverse post on Sunday. "I have no doubt that something good will be waiting for us in the future."

"Eighteen months can either feel long or short, depending on one's perspective. I think this time will be a period of new inspiration and learning for all of us," he added. "Goodbye for a while! I'll greet you guys [with a 'hi'] when I come back."

Sunday's goodbye followed an earlier one made Friday during his Weverse livestream.

"Thanks for making this song and for the support and the love," RM said after watching a fan-made video dedicated to the band with the title "ARMYs Song For BTS' Love Letters' Official MV."

He added, "I swear I have never been taking this enormous love for granted in my whole life."

"And I will be the same in the future."

V also showed off his new short hair look on Instagram on Sunday.

"It was my long dream — [to shave my head] and [wear] sunglasses," he said. "It's great [to be able to do this hair as] I had wanted to try someday."

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.

Jin, who started first, is slated to complete his military service in June of next year. J-Hope will finish in October 2024, and Suga in June 2025. Suga has to serve longer, as he has to spend a total of 21 months as a social service agent.

All members will have their mandatory military service completed by 2025.

To find out more about BTS, visit Celeb Confirmed!

BY KIM JI-YE [kim.jiye@joongang.co.kr]