In a significant development, the last two members of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, Jimin and Jung Kook, have commenced their mandatory military service, temporarily putting the entire mega group on hiatus. This follows a years-long debate about whether BTS deserved an exemption, ultimately leading to all members fulfilling their service obligations.
All able-bodied men in South Korea are mandated to serve at least 18 months in the military. The decision for BTS to fulfill this requirement garnered extensive discussion, with Jin, the oldest member, enlisting last year, and the remaining members, including J-Hope, SUGA, RM, and V, following suit in 2023.
The septet, known as BTS, has achieved unprecedented success, becoming a global cultural phenomenon, selling out stadiums worldwide, dominating key US charts, and contributing significantly to South Korea’s economy. BTS, often referred to as the ARMY, has amassed a massive international fan base.
Jimin and Jung Kook, the final two members, are embarking on a five-week basic training at an army boot camp, marking a momentous juncture in BTS’s journey. The decision for all members to fulfill their military service drew attention to the impact on the global growth of K-pop, as expressed by Bang Si-hyuk, the chairman of BTS’s agency, HYBE.
While exemptions are offered to specific individuals in South Korea, such as Olympic medal-winning athletes and some classical musicians, K-pop stars are not eligible under the existing program. The competitive nature of the industry poses challenges for male K-pop stars in resuming their careers after fulfilling military duties.
BTS’s agency, HYBE, confirmed in November that all seven members renewed their contracts, signaling their likely continuation with the agency after completing military service. As the global fanbase anxiously awaits the group’s return in 2025, the hiatus prompts reflection on the undeniable impact of BTS on the music and cultural landscape.
