On December 13, Jin will report to a division near the North Korean border to begin his military service of at least eighteen months. Jin, who just turned 30, will be the first member of BTS to be inducted.
By law, all able-bodied men in South Korea between the ages of 18 and 28 must serve 18–21 months in the military to deal with threats from rival North Korea.
Law on military service
Conscription – which is now dividing South Korea’s most internationally famous pop band – has been a hot topic for the past two years. The country grants exemptions to elite athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other top dancers who are considered to raise the nation’s standing.
Some politicians and others have called for the exemptions to be extended to include K-pop stars such as BTS as they have contributed most significantly to South Korea’s international image.
In 2020, parliament approved a law amendment that allows successful pop artists to postpone their mandatory military service. Jin, who was then 28, was postponed until 30. But now time has caught up with him.
Solo careers
State officials have planned for the year to let the people vote on the issue, but in October after the band’s last concert — at least for a long time — record label Big Hit Music announced that all BTS members will fulfill the obligation.
In the same vein, South Korea’s Ministry of Defense opened up BTS concerts during the service. Meanwhile, several BTS members have now focused on their solo projects. While waiting for the draft, Jin made his first solo debut with the song “The astronaut”.
The band hopes to reunite after the conscription in 2025.