Four members of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS – RM, V, Jungkook and Jimin – have started their mandatory military service in South Korea. They will serve around 18 months before reuniting with the band in 2025.
Members Report for Duty
On December 13, RM and V entered the Army boot camp at Yeoncheon County in Gyeonggi Province to begin their basic military training. Both sported short buzzcut hairstyles. The day before, RM penned an emotional letter to fans, while V also shared a touching message.
Jungkook and Jimin are set to be enlisted on December 27 at the recruit training center of the 6th Infantry Division. They will enter as “companion soldiers,” part of a special buddy system that allows certain recruits to go through basic training together.
| Member | Enlistment Date | Training Center |
|---|---|---|
| RM | December 13 | Yeoncheon County boot camp |
| V | December 13 | Yeoncheon County boot camp |
| Jungkook | December 27 | 6th Infantry Division center |
| Jimin | December 27 | 6th Infantry Division center |
In their final livestream session together before enlisting, the four members reassured fans that they will focus on their service and return healthy.
What Military Service Entails
All able-bodied South Korean men under 30 must serve around 18 months in the military under the country’s conscription system.
The first five weeks at the boot camps consist of basic combat training including martial arts, weapons handling, and field exercises. This will be an intense experience, as described by a former serviceman.
After boot camp, most of the members are likely to join frontline Army units near the border with North Korea. They may also undergo advanced combat training and be assigned to promotional events for the military.
Future Plans for Reunion and Music
The four members will complete their service by 2025. Their label HYBE has confirmed that BTS plans to reconvene as a group again after the members are discharged.
In the meantime, BTS announced they will still be releasing solo projects and collaborative work during the hiatus period. The group recently earned a Grammy nomination for their song with Snoop Dogg.
Outpouring of Fan Support
BTS enjoys immense popularity as the biggest K-pop act in the world, with ARMY fan clubs in every continent.
The impending enlistments sparked an outpouring of love and well wishes from fans globally. Hashtags like #WaitingForBTS trended for days as fans showed their support.
Outside the training camp premises, fans gathered to send off RM and V with chants, banners and wreaths. But government pleas andHYBE advisories to refrain from visiting camps area aimed at limiting potential COVID spread.
As BTS members prepare to serve their nation, their strong musical legacy and fanbase connections will surely tide them through this period apart. Their promise to someday return intact will keep ARMY waiting faithfully.
What’s Next for BTS
- The remaining three BTS members – SUGA, j-hope and Jin – are also required to enlist in the coming years
- All seven members plan to reunite in 2025 after completing service
- BTS will continue creating new music and solo projects during the hiatus
- They hope to become the first K-pop act to be nominated for a Grammy Award
- Upon reunion, BTS intends to hold large-scale concerts and go on tour again
So while their group activities pause for now, this new phase promises rich solo endeavors before the group reemerges together to achieve even greater heights.
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