As fans know, BTS is currently on hiatus and has been for a little while now, with some taking the time to put out solo projects, and others enlisting in the Korean military -- which is the main reason the group has taken this break.
Listen to BTS Radio and more on the free Audacy app
Thus far, of the biggest act in K-pop -- BTS -- J-Hope, Jin, and Suga have already begun their mandatory military service, and with the latest news from Big Hit Music, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, will imminently join them, continuing their hiatus through 2024 and much of 2025.
“We would like to inform our fans that RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook have initiated the military enlistment process," Big Hit shared via social media. “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.”
In South Korea, it is standard that by their 28th birthday, all able-bodied men serve in the military for 18 to 21 months. Jin, the oldest BTS member, was the first to sign up in December 2022. J-Hope, was the next to enlist in April 2023, followed by Suga, who started his 18-month commitment as a social service agent, in September 2023.
Despite the end of this hiatus seeming so far away at the moment, the group’s seven-member band recently signed renewed contracts with Big Hit Music in anticipation of what’s to come.
“BigHit Music will take into consideration the military service status of some of the members and plans to sign with each BTS member sequentially,” a statement read. “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,” parent company Hybe Corp. said in September.