BTS K-Pop Star And Idol Jin To Begin His Military Service in Korea

BTS member Jin recently revealed his new look — with buzzcut hair — as he prepares for his mandatory military service in his home country, South Korea.

As the oldest BTS member, the 30-year-old will be the first of his group to enlist for mandatory national service. 

The septet singers are one of South Korea’s biggest cultural phenomena that have also left a lasting mark on the Western world. They are known for selling out massive stadiums and having each song dominate the charts. Today, their fans, known as the ARMY, have reached a billion, and their merchandise sales are equally impressive.

Earlier this year, the question of whether these K-pop idols would be exempted from military training was highly debated. In South Korea, all able-bodied men between 18 and 35 are mandated to serve in the military for a minimum of 18 months. While men are typically required to enlist by 28 years of age, considering BTS’s contribution to their country’s economy, the members were allowed to defer enrollment until 30 years of age. All BTA members have confirmed that they would enlist and fulfill their military service.

Kim Seok-jin or more popularly known as Jin, reported to the boot camp last Tuesday at the Yeoncheon training base in northern Seoul. He arrived in a black van and was at the frontline venue 20 minutes before the end of enlistment. Many BTS supporters were present at the intersection near the camp’s main gate to show their support to Jin and all the other enlisted men enlisting.

Fans have had mixed reactions to this news. Many have mentioned that they’re sad they won’t see their idol for months, but they understand that for all Korean men, this is an obligation that needs to be fulfilled. Fans have also shared that they were happy and proud that Jin and the rest of the group didn’t want any exemptions and enlisted like their other countrymen. 

Jin’s primary boot camp is located near the border of North Korea. This has also led to speculations that, after Jin’s training, he might be deployed to the frontline.

Last June, the world was shocked when BTS shared that they’ll be taking a break. This announcement followed successful performances in South Korea and internationally. The group could have continued to ride the waves of stardom but opted to take a break for the time being. They cited pressure and exhaustion as the primary reasons for their break, and some members wanted to follow solo careers.

Today, however, the announcement seemed to be perfectly timed to coincide with the news of Jin’s military enlistment. The band is currently on hiatus, which has left their legions of fans heartbroken. It appears that the future of the K-Pop superstars is uncertain — for now. However, once all seven members are done with their service and training, BTS is expected to have a grand reunion in 2025.