BTS’ Jin To Begin His Mandatory Military Enlistment This Week

Singer-songwriter and BTS’ beloved oldest member Jin is scheduled to commence his mandatory military duty starting tomorrow, December 13th. This makes Jin the first member of BTS to assume his military enlistment mandated by the laws of South Korea, which require all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 in South Korea to serve 18 to 21 months in the military. The singer will serve as an active-duty soldier.

Ahead of his enlistment, BTS’ label Big Hit Music issued a candid statement, detailing various protocols around Jin joining the military. The statement requested fans to refrain from visiting the entrance ceremony (an event held to commemorate forthcoming soldiers’ admittance into the South Korean military). Citing over-crowding and privacy as matters of concern, the label categorically pointed out that the ceremony is “a time to be observed by military personnel and their families only.” Jin had made an identical request via the fan-communication platform Weverse, requesting the BTS Army to not visit him; “There’s an article out there that I hadn’t planned on being published,” the singer’s Weverse post read, referring to a South Korean news article that revealed details about his enlistment. “In any case, ARMYs, I ask that you please refrain from coming to the training centre. There will be many other people there and it could get dangerous with a big crowd. Army, I love you.” 

The BTS Army were quick to understand the singer’s request citing that Jin – who had requested the BTS Army to cheer him on at a movie premiere earlier this year – would not request the absence of fans unless absolutely necessary for safety concerns. 

The statement further emphasized the label’s ongoing efforts against the sale of unauthorized merchandise and cautioned fans to refrain from purchasing the same; “We also advise you not to get adversely affected by purchasing unauthorized tours or product packages illegally using artist IP. Our company will take necessary action against any attempts at commercial activity making unauthorized use of such IP.”

In a separate statement shared earlier this morning, Big Hit mentioned Jin “will enter the grounds while in a vehicle without a separate greeting for the media or fans.” The label’s statement reiterated there will be no “separate official event on the day of enlistment at the boot camp” and requested the media and fans to abstain from physically attending the premises. 

Keeping Jin’s stardom in mind and the list of recruits who will be enlisting alongside him, the local police are reportedly dispatching 270 police officials to the center along with officers who’ll be able to interpret different languages. Furthermore, the district office is also dispatching 60 task-force officers to prevent the illegal sale of goods. Emergency health services will also be stationed at the site. 

BTS announced their plans of moving forward with their mandatory military service on October 17th, 2022. To reiterate, by law, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 in South Korea must serve 18 to 21 months in the military. However, exemptions have been made where athletes, traditional musicians and dancers who have put South Korea on the global map and promoted national prestige have been exempted. This exemption does not include ‘popular culture’ acts such as BTS or any other K-pop group. Following the Military Service Act amendment in 2020, however, Jin (born in 1992) was permitted by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to postpone his enlistment until the end of this year. BTS’ own decision to enlist in the military came to light after the South Korean government was unable to come to a final conclusion after all the debates. 

Jin has been trying to keep the mood around his enlistment as light and jovial as possible. Last evening, the singer shared his new look via a selfie posted on Weverse. Looking handsome as always, the singer debuted his new military buzz cut with the caption “cuter than I thought.” 

Fellow BTS member Jimin was quick to use Jin’s now viral selfie as his new display picture on Weverse. 

As a parting gift for his fans, Jin released the heartfelt single “The Astronaut” – a song the singer received as a gift from Coldplay. The track and music video underline the strong connection Jin shares with the BTS Army as he sings, “You and me, an unending history/ Oh, you became my universe/ The story of us/ Like that asteroid drifting by without a destination.” Jin also performed the track alongside Coldplay live during the band’s Music of the Spheres concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Jin is scheduled to be discharged on June 12th, 2024. BTS plans to reconvene as a group in 2025.