K-pop sensations BTS have captivated audiences across the globe, breaking records and making history. However, as Korean male citizens, all seven members will have to fulful the nation’s compulsory military service before they turn 30. The BTS military service schedule has been announced.
With mandatory military service required for all South Korean men, BTS members will soon begin their conscription. The enlistment started with Jin in late 2022, followed by the J-Hope, Suga, and other members through approximately 2025 based on their ages. This will mark a temporary hiatus for group activities until all seven members complete their service and reunite around 2026.
This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the BTS military service schedule and enlistment updates for each BTS member. Let’s find out what’s in store for the beloved Bangtan Boys.
Takeaways:
- All BTS members are required by South Korean law to serve in the military.
- BTS Military service schedule is sequential.
- Jin, the oldest member, began his military service in December 2022.
- Suga is set to enlist in June 2024.
- RM and Jimin are expected to join by the end of 2023 and early 2024 respectively.
- Taehyung and Jungkook, being the youngest, will likely enlist in 2025.
- Solo projects from members can be expected during their enlistment phases.
- ARMY’s support is crucial during this transitional phase for BTS.
BTS Military Service Schedule 2023: Everything ARMY Needs to Know
BTS, the world-renowned K-pop group, has been making waves not just in the music realm but also with their enlistment schedules. With 2023 marking a significant year for some BTS members heading for their mandatory military service, fans around the world are eager to know more.
In accordance with South Korean law, all male citizens between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve in the military for two years. BTS members are no exception.
Key Things for ARMY to Know:
- BTS members will enlist in sequential order based on their age.
- BTS plans to reunite as a group once all seven members have completed their service.
- Specific enlistment dates for each member will be announced by BigHit Music closer to the time.
- BTS will continue to release music and content while the members are serving in the military. This includes solo projects, group songs, and music videos.
When Will the BTS Members Enlist for Mandatory Military Service?
Jin, the oldest BTS member at 29, was the first to enlist. On December 13th 2022, Big Hit Music announced he will enlist on December 13th 2023 after completing solo projects through 2022.
J-Hope has enlisted in April 2023. As the members were allowed to delay enlistment until age 30, J-Hope can enlist after his 29th birthday.
Suga, the second oldest, is currently serving already after enlisting as an active duty soldier on September 2023. Yoongi is expected to be discharged on March 16th 2024.
Details on the other members’ enlistments have not been shared yet, but are expected to follow in sequence after J-Hope based on their ages.
The approximate enlistment and discharge dates for the maknae line will be:
- RM: Mid/Late 2024 – Mid/Late 2026
- Jimin: 2025 – 2027
- V: 2026 – 2028
- Jungkook: 2027 – 2029
How Long Is Mandatory Military Service in South Korea?
All able-bodied South Korean male citizens between the ages of 18 and 28 must serve in the military for approximately 18 months. This is usually followed by four years in the reserve forces, for a total service period of around five years.
The length of service depends on the branch enlisted into:
- Army: 18 months
- Marine Corps: 20 months
- Navy: 20 months
- Air Force: 22 months
Non-active duty “social service agent” roles like public service workers and relief organization jobs are also options, lasting three years.
What to Expect During BTS’ Military Service Period
With Jin started his service at the end of 2022, this likely signifies at least the next 2-3 years will see BTS members come and go from military enlistment.
While undoubtedly a temporary goodbye for ARMY, this period can also be viewed as a well-deserved break for the members after 10 whirlwind, non-stop years in the limelight since their 2013 debut.
Rather than the end of an era, their staggered enlistment period marks the start of an exciting new chapter. The members have expressed eagerness to reset and recharge their creative energies during this time.
BigHit also emphasized military service does not mean the end of BTS, but rather a chance for the members to gain life experiences and return even stronger.
Fans can anticipate members’ military service as an opportunity for solo projects, musical experimentation, and personal development – all things which will only enrich BTS’ artistry upon their awaited reunion around 2025.
What to Expect from BTS While Members Serve in the Military
The lengthy hiatus may be distressing for ARMYs, but fans can still look forward to BTS content during the next few years:
- Solo Albums: Members can release solo music while serving, so new mixtapes or albums from the members are highly likely.
- Social Media Interaction: BTS actively interact with fans through platforms like Weverse. While they may post less during service, they will still be able to communicate with ARMY.
- Coordinated Content Releases: BigHit can continue releasing pre-prepared BTS content like Bangtan Bombs, vlogs, behind-the-scenes, and more during the member’s enlistment period.
- Fan Events: Offline concerts are improbable, but BigHit could arrange for special online fan events and livestreams.
- Group Reunions: As the members finish their service they will periodically reunite, foreshadowing their full reunion around 2025!
Looking Ahead: What to Expect When BTS Reunite Post-Military
While BTS’ chapter of mandatory military service means time apart for now, the long-term future shines bright.
Some positive points to keep in mind:
- Renewed Passion: The hiatus will allow BTS members to follow personal projects, building a renewed passion for music they can bring back to the group.
- Time to Rest: Serving in the military allows BTS to take a breather after years of relentless schedules. They can avoid burnout and come back replenished.
- Solo Activities: This break empowers members to develop their individual musical identities through solo albums and mixtapes.
- Life Experience: The worldly insight and maturity gained from military service will further enhance BTS’ artistry.
- Continued ARMY Love: Fans aren’t going anywhere, and will ardently await the day all seven members can stand on stage together again.
BTS’ military enlistment may feel melancholy, but it is temporary. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder – and BTS will return stronger from this hiatus to create more history and break new records together alongside ARMY.
So fret not, trust in each member’s personal journey, support their solo growth, and look ahead to the bright future. BTS’ second chapter lies ahead – and it is sure to be greater than ever imagined.
BTS and South Korean Military Service: Why is it Mandatory?
In South Korea, it’s a rite of passage for every eligible young man to serve in the military. This mandatory military service is seen as a patriotic duty and a means to maintain the country’s security. Members of BTS, being South Korean citizens, are no exception. They too are required by South Korean law to carry out their military service before they reach a certain age.
The Origin and Purpose of Mandatory Military Service in South Korea
Military conscription has been a fixture of South Korean society since 1957, when nationwide mandatory service was established through legislation passed by the National Assembly. All male citizens between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to perform approximately two years of military service under this law, which remains in effect today due to the ongoing tensions with neighboring North Korea.
For South Korean men, undertaking this compulsory service is considered a patriotic rite of passage and an important duty to contribute to national security. This includes the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, who plan to fulfill their military duties as required by law in the coming years.
BTS Answering the Call of Duty
As native-born Korean citizens, all seven members of the chart-topping group BTS are subject to mandatory military service around age 18-28. The band has confirmed their intention to serve, with the oldest member Jin initiating the process at age 29 in late 2023. The other members will follow in sequence according to their respective ages over the next few years, with the full group expected to complete their service requirements by 2025.
In undertaking roughly two years of military service, BTS will embody an integral experience that shapes and matures countless South Korean youth. Their participation will grant BTS firsthand insight into this societal institution that bonds men through dutiful sacrifice for the nation. Just as with any other Korean man, BTS’ service will represent a time of personal growth and a symbolic commitment of loyalty to country.
| Member | Enlistment Date |
|---|---|
| Jin | December 13 2022 |
| J-Hope | April 18 2023 |
| Suga | September 2023 |
| RM | June 2024 |
| Jimin | August 2024 |
| V | July 2025 |
| Jungkook | September 2025 |
BTS Military Service Schedule: When will Jungkook Join the Military?
Jungkook, the youngest member of BTS, will be the last to enlist in the military. This is because BigHit Music, BTS’s agency, has stated that the members will announce their military enlistment plans in sequential order, from oldest to youngest. Jin, the oldest member of BTS, enlisted in December 2022, and Suga enlisted in September 2023.
While it is anticipated that Jungkook’s military enlistment will be sometime in 2025, exact dates have yet to be confirmed by BigHit Music. This is because the military enlistment date for each individual is determined by a number of factors, including the person’s birth date, health status, and educational background.
Once Jungkook does enlist in the military, he will be required to serve for two years. This means that BTS is not expected to reunite as a group until 2027 at the earliest.
BTS Military Service Announcement: What Did BigHit Say?
On October 17, 2022, BigHit Music released a statement announcing the military service plans for the remaining members of BTS. The statement said that the members will enlist in sequential order based on their ages, and that BTS plans to reunite as a group once all seven members have completed their service.
The statement also said that BigHit Music will announce the specific enlistment dates for each member once they have been finalized.
What Does This Mean for ARMYs?
This means that BTS fans can expect to see the members enlisting in the military over the next few years. The last member to enlist is expected to be Jungkook in 2025.
Once all seven members have completed their military service, BTS plans to reunite as a group. However, this is not expected to happen until at least 2027.
BigHit Music’s Commitment to Transparency
BigHit Music has been transparent with ARMYs about BTS’s military service plans since the beginning. In March 2022, BigHit announced that BTS would be fulfilling their military service obligations. This announcement was made well in advance of the first member’s enlistment date, giving ARMYs time to prepare.
BigHit has also continued to update ARMYs on BTS’s military service plans on a regular basis.
BigHit’s commitment to transparency has been appreciated by ARMYs, who have expressed their support for the members’ decision to fulfill their military service obligations.
ARMYs can stay up-to-date on BTS’s military service plans by following BigHit Music on social media and visiting their website.
BTS Military Service Schedule: Impact on BTS Albums and Solo Projects
BTS is currently on hiatus due to the members’ military service obligations. The group’s last album, Proof, was released in June 2022. It is unclear when BTS will release their next album as a group.
However, individual BTS members are expected to continue releasing solo music and projects while they are serving in the military. For example, Suga released his solo album Agust D 2 in May 2022, and J-Hope released his solo album Jack in the Box in July 2023.
In addition to music, BTS members are also likely to pursue other solo projects while they are in the military. For example, RM has expressed interest in pursuing acting, and V has expressed interest in pursuing fashion and design.
What does BigHit Music Say?
BigHit Music, BTS’s agency, has released a few statements about the impact of military service on BTS’s albums and solo projects.
In a statement released in October 2022, BigHit said that BTS would continue to release music and content while the members are serving in the military. This includes solo projects, group songs, and music videos.
In a statement released in September 2023, BigHit said that BTS would “continue to work hard to provide fans with new content and activities, even while the members are serving in the military.”
BTS is also expected to release group songs and music videos while the members are serving in the military. However, it is unclear when this will happen.
RM & Bang Si-hyuk Message For ARMY
In a 2022 Festa video message, RM stated military service will be a chance for the members to “recharge” and bring “great energy” when reconvening down the road.
As Bang Si-hyuk summarized: “Rather than a hiatus, BTS will use this time to develop individual interests and return with wisdom from their experiences.” This perspective frames the era ahead as one for nurturing creativity rather than halting it. With members embracing military service as a phase for personal growth, new artistic boundaries will surely be explored – benefiting both solo work and BTS’ eventual full return.
How ARMY Can Support BTS During Their Military Service
- ARMYs can show their support for BTS by continuing to listen to their music, watch their videos, and buy their merchandise.
- ARMYs can also stay up-to-date on BTS’s activities by following BigHit Music on social media and visiting their website.
- ARMYs can also show their support for BTS by being patient and understanding. It is important to remember that BTS is fulfilling their military service obligations, which is a requirement for all male citizens of South Korea.
BTS’ upcoming enlistment in mandatory military service will mark a temporary hiatus for the group. While undoubtedly difficult for ARMY, this period can also be reframed as an opportunity for members to gain valuable life experiences and recharge creatively. Fans can show their love and support during this transition in meaningful ways:
Continue Engaging with BTS Content
While group activities will be on hold, ARMYs can still listen to BTS’ extensive discography, rewatch videos, buy merchandise, and more. Streaming and sales will let BTS know their fans eagerly await their return.
BigHit will likely continue releasing archived BTS content during the hiatus as well. Stay engaged on social media and the Weverse app to show unwavering support.
Follow Military Service Updates
ARMYs can follow BTS’ official social media channels and the BigHit website for progress updates on members as they enter the military. Any letters or gifts fans send to military bases boosts morale. Welcoming each member back warmly when their service concludes shows appreciation.
Respect the Members’ Duty and Transition
This is a time of major life change for BTS as Korean men. Avoid judgment and understand their solemn duty. Allow them space from celebrity life to focus on service. Speculation or overanalyzing their time away is unnecessary – simply trust in their journey.
Get Excited for Solo Work
Members have all expressed eagerness to develop their individual musical identities through mixtapes and albums during the hiatus. Support their solo work fully, as this growth will enrich BTS’ artistry upon reuniting.
Stay Patient for the Full Reunion
The era ahead requires patience as members enter and exit the military through approximately 2025. Understand group promotions will be limited but this time can strengthen them as people. Focus on the future of their return, not the temporary goodbye.
BTS and ARMY have achieved incredible things together already. By supporting this next phase, fans can show their loyalty and eagerness to continue this journey long into the future.
FAQs
When will BTS reunite?
BTS is expected to reunite as a group in 2026 or 2027.
How long is South Korea’s mandatory military service?
The service requirement is around 18 months of active duty, followed by 4 years in the reserves, so around 5 years total.
How will the military enlistment impact BTS’s group activities?
BTS’s group activities might slow down, but they plan to reunite as a full group once all members complete their service, promising a grand comeback.
Can BTS members still release solo music while enlisted?
Yes, BTS members can and likely will continue solo projects like mixtapes and albums even during their military service.
Can BTS get a military exemption?
BTS is eligible for a military exemption, but they have not yet applied for one.
Conclusion
That’s all for BTS Military service schedule. BTS’ military enlistment marks the start of an exciting new chapter, rather than the end of an era. Though their temporary hiatus will undoubtedly be difficult, it also brings immense opportunities for personal growth and musical exploration.
Fans can look forward to potential solo projects, renewed passion upon reuniting, and BTS returning better than ever – ready to break new records and make history once again alongside ARMY.
