BTS Army is in a somber state after seeing the group’s dispersal and one question that is lingering in their mind is “How long will BTS be in the military“?
For months, people have been thinking about BTS members’ enlistment in the military service and now the time has finally come to say goodbye to their favourite K-pop idols.
Three of the seven members were already serving in the military while the remaining members of BTS have joined the armed forces, as confirmed by their agency Big Hit Music, owned by HYBE.
How long will BTS be in the military?
Saying adieu to the BTS members was not only painful but also heartbreaking for their fans as the band, also known as the Bangtan Boys, will not be returning before the second quarter of 2025.
As per the South Korean guidelines, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 to 30 years have to serve in the military for 18 to 21 months. Jin, J-Hope, and Suga were already serving their duty and the remaining BTS members, RM, V, Jung Kook, and Jimin have also enlisted in the South Korean military this week.
According to the reports, RM and V arrived at an army boot camp in the central city of Nonsan on December 11 to start their 18-month compulsory service while Jimin and Jung Kook joined the service on December 12.
Does BTS have mandatory military service in Korea?
Earlier, there were reports of BTS members exempting themselves from the mandatory military service. However, with the enlistment of all seven members of BTS in the military, the reports came out to be fallacious.
The BTS members will return from the military after doing a minimum of 18 months of service in the South Korean army. This means if you want to see all the members of the band together, you will have to wait till 2025.
What are the dates of BTS members going to military?
Here’s the list of BTS members and their enlistment service dates:
Jin: December 13, 2022
J-Hope: April 18, 2023
Suga: September 22, 2023
RM: December 11, 2023
V: December 11, 2023
Jung Kook: December 12, 2023
Jimin: December 12, 2023
When will BTS come back from military?
Reportedly, RM and V will be given five weeks of combat training before being assigned to specific units and duties. Reports cite that Suga is fulfilling his duty as a social service agent which is an alternative form of military service.
Here are the expected dates for the BTS members to return from the military.
Jin: June 2024
J-Hope: September 2024
Suga: March 2025
RM: June 2025
V: June 2025
Jung Kook: June 2025
Jimin: June 2025
Are BTS members exempt from military service in Korea?
A heated public controversy broke out last year about whether or not BTS members should continue serving in the military, with some politicians claiming that their artistic accomplishments deserved an exception.
People wondered if BTS members had been proposed for special treatment by the government.
However, the reports turned out to be false this week with Jimin, Jung Kook, RM and V enlisting in the army.
Who is exempted from military service in Korea?
Although every physically fit person in South Korea must enlist in military service, athletes and artists may be exempted if they are seen as promoting national prestige. This means that if you have won a medal in the Olympic Games or Asian Games, you may be exempted from mandatory military service.
Notable elite athletes and classical musicians who have made the country proud by winning national or international awards can be exempted from joining military service.
However, even though pop stars have taken up a place in South Korea’s economy and cultural exports, still, they are not eligible for exemption.
People who are not healthy are allowed to complete their military service through non-active duty, which could be through social work or other government services.
BTS members’ statements before enlisting in the military service
Before joining the military service, several BTS members took to social media to say adieu to their fans.
V took to social media on Monday and shared a series of his photos with a new buzz haircut, which is compulsory for people joining the military service. He wrote, “To be honest, I’m alright other than the fact that I won’t be able to make happy memories with ARMY for the time being.”
Another BTS member RM said goodbye to his fans before leaving for military service. He took to social media on Sunday and wrote, “The day has finally come. See you in the future.”
FAQs: How long will BTS be in the military?
Here are the frequently asked questions related to the BTS members and their enlistment in the military service.
#1. Will BTS reunite after the military?
All the members will be out of their mandatory military service by the 2025 first half. Fans have to wait for at least 1 year and 6 months for a potential reunion concert.
#2. When will Jung Kook go to the military?
Jung Kook, along with Jimin, entered the army boot camp on December 12, 2023.
Conclusion: How long will BTS be in the military?
Finally, the much-awaited moment arrived when all the members of the acclaimed K-pop sensation, BTS, officially said goodbye to their dedicated Army.
The discourse ended in October 2022 when the band’s oldest member, Jin, entered a military training center, with J-Hope and Suga enlisting in the military a few months later. And now the other members, Jimin, V, RM, and Jung Kook have also joined the mandatory military service.
This departure has put fans in a reflective mood with hopes of a heartfelt reunion in the future. The band would probably reunite in the second half of 2025.
The world eagerly awaits and closely monitors the next chapter in BTS’ incredible journey.