The oldest member Jin of the K-pop boy band BTS will soon enlist for mandatory military service, their agency announced on Monday.
Jin, 29, has delayed his duty for as long as he can, but when he turns 30 in December, he will be facing the impending prospect of a full term, which would mean spending nearly two years away from the public spotlight.
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With their uplifting songs and social campaigns focused on motivating young people, BTS has gained international popularity since making their debut in 2013.
The management company for the seven-member band, HYBE, stated in a regulatory filing that Jin “will cancel the request to delay enlistment in late October 2022 and follow the Military Manpower Administration’s relevant procedures for enlistment.”
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The other members would also fulfill the obligatory military service based on their personal plans, it was noted in the statement.
According to a second statement from Bighit Music, which is owned by HYBE and manages BTS, “both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment.”
As part of measures to protect against a nuclear-armed North Korea, all South Korean men between the ages of 18 and 28 who are physically capable must serve for between 18 and 21 months in the military.
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However, several groups—including medalists from the Olympics and Asian Games and classical musicians and dancers who place first in competitions—have received exemptions or have had their periods reduced. BTS’s exemption had been advocated by some politicians.
BTS said in June that it would take a sabbatical from group musical endeavours to focus on separate projects, which prompted speculation about the band’s future.
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They performed a free concert called Yet To Come in Busan on Saturday in aid of South Korea’s bid to host the World Expo 2030 in the port city of Busan.