In South Korea, males aged 18 and above are obligated to complete their military service unless exempted for valid reasons. Those enlisted in the army serve for about 18 months. Currently, three BTS members have begun their service -- Jin, J-Hope, and Suga.
"When we return after our military service, I think we will have stories and accumulated energy to share with fans. Please look forward to Chapter 2," RM said during a live stream on December 6. The live session, conducted on fan community platform Weverse, was also joined by Jimin, V, and Jungkook. RM and V will join a boot camp on December 11, while the two other artists will enlist on December 12. RM urged fans to avoid visiting BTS members at the boot camp, as it could cause inconvenience for other soldiers and their families.
The group's leader is known as the spokesperson of BTS. In September 2021, he gave a public speech at the United Nations General Assembly. RM was also chosen as an ambassador for the Agency for KIA Recovery & Identification under South Korea's defense ministry. The agency focuses on the excavation and retrieval of the remains of unreturned soldiers during the Korean War.
Jin and J-Hope became assistant army drill instructors, and the group's lead rapper Suga is a public service agent. Unlike the majority of soldiers, public service agents are assigned to public health centers, local offices, and other government offices to offer aid to public services.
reporter
Kim Joo-heon
jhkim123@ajunews.com
