In a development that surprised millions of BTS fans around the world, the seven members of the South Korean group will begin mandatory military service, a requirement for eligible men in the country. The plan is to reunite the group around 2025 after completing their service obligations.
Big Hit Music issued a statement outlining that BTS had already entered a phase focused on individual projects since last summer, and the current move marks a natural step to fulfill national duties. The company emphasized that serving in the military will be carried out as an honor and a path to continued national pride for the group and its supporters.
Jin, the oldest member whose real name is Kim Seokjin, will begin enlistment as soon as his solo work schedule is finalized at the end of October. He has already postponed his service for two years. South Korea’s Ministry of Culture has indicated that an official decision on any potential awards or exemptions for the group could be announced in December, a development that is likely to ignite discussion among fans and commentators alike.
According to Big Hit Music, the remaining six members intend to undertake their military duties in a manner that fits their individual plans and timelines. The company described the enlistment as a responsible step that aligns with national requirements while allowing time for personal and artistic pursuits beyond the service period.
Mandatory military service applies to all able-bodied men in South Korea, typically lasting between 18 and 21 months depending on the branch served. The announcement comes shortly after BTS performed a concert in Busan, a hometown show that carried heightened significance and sparked speculation about whether it might mark the group’s last stage before a hiatus to fulfill service obligations.
Both the management and the members anticipate reuniting as a group around 2025 after the service commitments are completed. The official statement from the agency highlighted the shared anticipation for a future reunion while underscoring a sense of duty that accompanies this major life transition for the artists.
Formed by members RM, Jimin, Jin, V, Suga, J-Hope, and Jungkook, with Jungkook being the youngest at 25, BTS has accumulated nine years of experience behind them. The group has broken numerous records and earned national and international recognition that stands as a landmark achievement for a Korean pop act, establishing BTS as a global music phenomenon. Scholarly and industry observers note the impact of their career on the worldwide perception of K-pop, as well as the group’s role in elevating South Korea’s cultural exports to fans across continents.