Jung Kook Pens Letter to BTS Army as He Enlists in Military: ‘I’ll Miss You Deeply’

Jung Kook is directing some sweet words toward his fans. In a letter on WeVerse Wednesday, the BTS member shared an update on his military enlistment in a note to Army, saying he was ready to “start a new journey.”

“As I share this news, I feel heavy on one hand, and on the other hand, I’m reminded of precious memories with ARMY, so my heart warms up,” he wrote. “Every moment I’ve spent with you has been the brightest time of my life. ARMY’s laughter, support, and love led me to this point. Thank you so much for supporting my dream and walking with me silently.”

“I’m careful to tell you to wait for me while I’m in the military. A year and a half is a long time, so I can’t say anything selfish,” he added. “I promise that I’ll be back on stage with a more mature side where I always am. I hope ARMY’s lives will always be full of laughter and happiness.”

He concluded: “I hope you fill in ARMY’s daily life healthily and beautifully. I’ll miss you deeply while waiting for the day we meet again and talk about something new. Don’t get sick and stay healthy. I love you.”

The letter from Jung Kook came a day after BTS’Big Hit announced that he, Jimin, V, and RM would be initiating the “military enlistment process.”

“The artists are preparing to fulfill their military service duties. We will inform you of further updates in due course,” the label wrote.

“We ask you for your continued love and support for RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook until they complete their military service and safely return,” the message continued. “Our company will spare no effort in providing support for our artists. Thank you.”

The four members had recently been working on solo music. Jimin dropped his Production Diary documentary — about making his mini-album Face — in late October, Jung Kook dropped LP Golden earlier this month, V released project Layover in September, and RM dropped LP Indigo in December 2022.

Jin signed up for his service in December 2022, while Suga started his 18-month commitment in September 2023. The group will complete its service requirements over the next several years, with BTS’ hiatus expected to last through 2025.

In October, J-Hope informed fans that he was adjusting “very well” to military life, adding that he’s “becoming more mature.”

“Although I am working hard and adapting faster than I expected, I feel a lot of pressure… because my role is to lead and help young Koreans take their first steps in the military organization,” he wrote. He added that he recently achieved the “Super Warrior” title in the army. “I do my best at every moment in the situation and there are good results,” he wrote.

In South Korea, it is standard for men to begin a 21-month term by their 28th birthday. 

From Rolling Stone US.