BTS will serve in military starting with Jin, confirms HYBE; K-pop band to reconvene in 2025

Nearly a week after it came to be known that K-pop supergroup BTS band members will likely serve in the South Korean military, now it seems the day is nearing. HYBE, formerly known as Big Hit Music, the label that oversees the brand, has confirmed that the seven-member K-pop band will serve the mandatory military service.

The development comes after months of speculation, and back-and-forth between the band and the South Korean government. According to the official announcement, Jin, the oldest member in BTS, will be the first to enlist while the other members will join as and when they are asked.

"BigHit Music is proud to announce today that the members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service. After the phenomenal concert to support Busan's bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each individual embarks on solo endeavours, it's a perfect time and the members of BTS are honoured to serve,” read the official statement from Big Hit Music.

The label went on to state that it has focussed on the milestone moment and said that it was the right time to respect the needs of the country and young members to serve their countrymen. It said that Jin will be initiating the process as soon as he completes his solo release towards the end of October. The label said that the 29-year-old Jin will go through the enlistment process set by the Korean government.

Jin, whose name is Kim Seok-jin will be followed by Suga, J-hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook at a later stage.

"Big Hit Music has focused on the milestone moment when it would be possible to respect the needs of the country and for these healthy young men to serve with their countrymen, and that's now. 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 enlistment procedure of the Korean government," the announcement read.

The official announcement further said that other members will serve the military duty based on their individual plans. It said both the label and the band are looking forward to reconvening the group in 2025 after their service commitment. "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," read the official release.

Big Hit Music also stated that it will withdraw its request to delay Jin’s enlistment and will follow the administration's procedures. Considering the massive popularity the band has amassed, there was a spectrum of debates related to exemptions to the band members.