BTS Forced into Hiatus as Four Members Enlist in Military
The world-renowned K-pop sensation, BTS, is set to be on hiatus until at least 2025 as four of its members prepare to enlist in the Korean military. RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook will soon begin their mandatory military service, following in the footsteps of Jin, who enlisted in December last year, and J-Hope and Suga, who have already begun their service.
The news was confirmed by Big Hit Music via social media, stating, “We would like to inform our fans that RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook have initiated the military enlistment process. The artists are preparing to fulfill their military service duties. We will inform you of further updates in due course. We ask you for your continued love and support for RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook until they complete their military service and return safely. Our company will spare no effort in providing support for our artists. Thank you.”
Under a conscription law revised in 2020, the four members were allowed to postpone their military service until the end of the year when they turn 30, but they have chosen to accelerate the process and will likely be called up later this year or early in 2024. The band hopes to reunite in 2025.
Since Jin’s enlistment nearly a year ago, the band has been gradually winding down towards hiatus, with each member also focusing on their solo careers. However, the band recently renewed their contracts with Big Hit Music in anticipation of renewed group activity after the enforced hiatus. Parent company Hybe Corp. stated, “The members who are currently serving in the military will have completed their military duty by the start of the renewed exclusive contract period in 2025.”
Despite the upcoming hiatus, BTS fans can still expect to see individual projects from the band members as they fulfill their military service duties.