The oldest member Jin of the K-pop boy band BTS will soon report for obligatory 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 threat of a full sentence, which would mean spending nearly two years away from the public spotlight.
With their peppy songs and social activities focused on uplifting young people, BTS has gained international acclaim since making its debut in 2013.
The management company for the band, HYBE (352820.KS), 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.”
According to their individual plans, the other members will also complete the required military service, it was said.
In another statement, the management said, “Both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment,” HYBE-owned Bighit Music, which manages BTS, said in a separate statement.
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.
In support of South Korea’s quest to host the World Expo 2030 in the port city of Busan, they came together once more to give a free concert there on Saturday.
Follow our socials Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Google News.