The members of the legendary K-pop super group BTS are set to fulfill their mandatory military service, with their oldest member Jin aiming to start the process at the end of the month, their label announced on Monday.
"After the phenomenal concert to support Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each individual embarks on solo endeavors, it’s the perfect time and the members of BTS are honored to serve," BIGHIT MUSIC said in a statement.
BTS recently conclude their Yet To Come concert in Busan over the weekend. In the same concert, Jin, who's turning 30 this year, teased fans about his upcoming solo project.
"Group member Jin will initiate the process as soon as his schedule for his solo release is concluded at the end of October," it added. "Other members of the group plan to carry out their military service based on their own individual plans."
In the meantime, BIGHIT said the members will 'take some time to explore individual projects.'
“As part of the HYBE family, we support and encourage our artists and are beyond proud that they will each now have time to explore their unique interests and do their duty by being of service to the country they call home," it said.
The members of the BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a full group again “around 2025.”
All able-bodied men are required to serve in the army of South Korea for 18 months by the time they are 28 years old.
Some prominent South Koreans have received exemptions or have been allowed to perform alternative public service, including Olympic and Asian Games medal winners and prize-winning classical musicians and dancers.
Debuted in 2013, the seven-member group composed of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook announced in June that they’re taking a break.
