BTS member Jin, left, plans to join the military soon, according to the boy group’s label Big Hit Entertainment. Photo courtesy of Big Hit Entertainment

BTS label comes up with detailed statements

Jin, the oldest member of South Korean boy group BTS, will join the military to fulfill his mandatory service, according to the act’s label Big Hit Music on Oct 17.

The Seoul-based agency said in a statement that all the other six members would also go to the military with the goal of convening again in mid-decade.

“Group member Jin will initiate the process as soon as his schedule for his solo release is concluded at the end of October. He will then follow the enlist procedure of the Korean government,” the company noted.

“Other members of the group plan to carry out their military service based on their own individual plans. Both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment.”

Big Hit Music did not disclose when Jin would be conscripted. But South Korean media outlets expected that it would be later this year or early next year.

The announcement came just after BTS played in Busan Saturday in front of 50,000 fans. During the free concert, Jin disclosed his plan to drop his first solo single album.

In June, the seven-piece music act disclosed their decision to suspend performing as a group and seek solo careers. But they opted to perform together again to support Busan’s bid to host the 2030 World Expo.

All able-bodied South Koreans under the age of 30 are required to serve in the military for at least 18 months to protect the country from outside threats, including North Korea.

At the age of 30, Jin should join the military in the near future. And the deadline for military enlistment for other members also starts beginning in 2024.

There have been years-long public debates on whether the idol group members should be exempted from service. But the country’s National Assembly could not reach a conclusion as people are split on the thorny issue.
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