It’s something BTS fans have been fearing for a while now. The boy band members are going to fulfill their duties of mandatory service in the South Korean army.
Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men are required to serve between 18 and 21 months in the military before their 30th birthday.
“BIG HIT MUSIC is proud to announce today that the members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service,” said a statement posted on the band’s social media pages.
The guys had just performed a free show in Busan to support South Korea’s bid for the 2030 World Expo when the announcement was made.
“After the phenomenal concert to support Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each individual embarks on solo endeavors, it’s the perfect time and the members of BTS are honored to serve,” added the BTS release.
According to the release the oldest member of the band, Jin, will be the first to serve in October, shortly before he turns 30 in December.
“He will then follow the enlistment procedure of the Korean government,” it continued.
“Other members of the group plan to carry out their military service based on their own individual plans,” added the release. “Both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment.”