The four members of BTS yet to begin their military service in South Korea have enlisted, their label BigHit Music has announced.
“We would like to inform our fans that RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook have initiated the military enlistment process”, said the label in a statement. “The artists are preparing to fulfil their military service duties. We will inform you of further updates in due course”.
“We ask you for your continued love and support for RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook until they complete their military service and safely return”, it continued. “Our company will spare no effort in providing support for our artists”.
All able-bodied men in South Korea must serve between eighteen and 21 months in the military at some point between the ages of eighteen and 28.
However, exceptions were made for BTS, allowing the older members of the group, Jin and J-Hope, to delay their enlistment until they were 30 and 29 respectively. But proposals that the group’s members should be able to avoid military service entirely were rejected.
In September, Suga became the third member of the group to enter service. Although, due to a past shoulder injury, he was posted in a role as a “social service agent”.
It is expected that, once all seven BTS members have completed their mandatory service, the group will reunite at some point in 2025. Meanwhile, a new eight part documentary to remind you why you should wait around for their return - called ‘Monuments: Beyond The Star’ - is set to launch on Disney+ on 20 Dec. Watch a trailer for that below.