As a K-pop fan, you've probably been dreading this day for years: The day when all 7 members of your favorite band BTS enlist in South Korea's mandatory military service. Well, that day has finally come. As of December 13th, 2023, all the BTS boys - Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook - are serving in the military.
And I gotta say, it's a pretty bittersweet moment for the BTS ARMY.
The Lead-Up
The BTS military duty era kicked off last December when Jin, the eldest member, enlisted shortly after turning 30. Because of a 2020 law revision, he was able to postpone his enlistment til 30 instead of having to go at 28. Several months later, Suga and J-Hope also enlisted. Suga is doing an alternative service as a social service agent.
Earlier this week, RM and V entered boot camp, sharing emotional goodbyes on social media. RM said "the day has finally come" while V uploaded pics of his new military buzzcut hairstyle. And now on December 13th, 2023, maknaes Jimin and Jungkook have also enlisted, meaning all 7 BTS members are now serving.
That's 547 days, 13,128 hours, or 47 million seconds until the group can potentially reunite.
And yes, I did whip out my calculator to figure out those stats! As a hardcore ARMY, I need to know exactly how long I'll be BTS-less. 😫
The Exemption Debate
Now I'm sure you've heard about the fiery debate around whether BTS deserved a military exemption.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men must serve about 18 months in the military. But certain elite athletes and classical musicians who win international competitions can be exempt.
The question was: Does BTS qualify for an exemption based on their economic impact and cultural clout? I mean c'mon, they've literally generated billions for South Korea!
But alas, in 2020 South Korea only revised the laws to allow pop stars to postpone enlistment from 28 to 30 years old - no new exemption category for entertainers. 😤
Apparently, the government feels pressure not to expand exemptions because it would be seen as unfair by the public. And with declining birth rates, they wanna phase exemptions out completely.
So yet again, the K-pop industry gets the short end of the stick. Smh.
Farewells & Buzzcuts
With enlistment being inevitable, the BTS guys said some emotional goodbyes online.
Leader RM wrote "See you in the future" while V admitted he'll miss making happy memories with ARMY. UGHHH my heart! 💔💔
Several members also uploaded pics of their buzzed hair - as is required for military trainees. Gotta say, they're rockin' the look! Especially my bias V!
BigHit Music did urge fans not to show up at the enlistment sites BTW. No special events were planned and the ceremonies are private for family only.
Mixed Reactions
Among ARMY, there's definitely a whole spectrum of reactions on social media this week - from devastated, to stoic, to actually excited.
Some fans are taking the "this too shall pass" perspective, staying hopeful for an epic comeback in 2025. Others are taking it really hard though, already missing their daily dose of BTS.
And then there's a segment of ARMY who are kinda thrilled to see "Military Kim" content! Lol, they can't wait for photos of them training, exercising, marching, etc. Hey, I get it - I too enjoy a man in uniform!! 🤣
There's also speculation around whether the members will put on informal shows for fellow troops. Several idols have done so during enlistment stints. Bring on the Jin ballads, please!
The Bus Says It All
Perhaps the most legendary part of this week was the BTS Army coach bus that showed up at V's enlistment site. Completely covered in life-sized pictures of him with the slogan "V Day"!!
You gotta admit, that's true dedication right there! 😆 Only ARMY would go to such extremes.
So that captures the general air around BTS heading off to the military. Some sadness yes, but also gratitude, pride, and optimism about the future.
We'll miss 'em of course! But as BTS would say - it's just part of the "on and on and on and on" journey. The boys will be back before we know it guys!
Answering All Your Questions
How long will BTS members serve in the military?
The BTS members are required to serve in the South Korean military for 18 to 21 months, as mandated by the country's law for all able-bodied adult male citizens. This requirement is in place for men between the ages of 18 to 30, with some exceptions for individuals who have served the nation in other ways, such as notable elite athletes or classical musicians. The last two members, Jimin and Jungkook, began their military service, and all seven members are expected to complete their service by mid-2025.
How will BTS members' military service affect their fans?
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