BTS Members RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook Enlist in the Military

Published 22 Nov 2023

(FILES) In this file photo taken on April 03, 2022 South Korean boy band BTS arrives for the 64th Annual Grammy Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. – President Joe Biden will receive the K-pop megastars BTS next week as part of a series of events celebrating Asian-Americans and denouncing racism against them, the White House said May 26, 2022. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP)

BTS members RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have officially begun their mandatory military service. The announcement was made by their agency, BigHit Music, on Wednesday morning.
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“We would like to inform our fans that RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook have initiated the military enlistment process,” the band’s music label BIGHIT Music wrote in a statement.

“The artists are preparing to fulfill their military service duties. We will inform you of further updates in due course,” it added.

“We ask you for your continued love and support for RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook until they complete their military service and safely return. Our company will spare no effort in providing support for our artists,” the statement continued.

All able-bodied South Korean men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve in the military for approximately two years. RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are all within this age range and have been preparing for their enlistment for some time.

The remaining BTS members, Jin, Suga, and J-Hope, are currently serving in the military. Jin was the first member to enlist in December 2022, followed by Suga in May 2023. J-Hope enlisted in July 2023.

With the enlistment of RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, all seven BTS members will have served in the military. This is a common practice among South Korean celebrities, and it is seen as a way to fulfill their civic duty and show their patriotism.

BTS is expected to reunite in 2025, after all seven members have completed their military service. In the meantime, the group will continue to release music and other content through their individual projects.

The enlistment of RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook is a bittersweet moment for BTS fans around the world. While they are sad to see the group go on hiatus, they are also proud of their members for fulfilling their military obligations.
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