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BTS to take a break from music to complete military service

BTS's label announced the K-pop band's intention to complete mandatory military service

The South Korean music label that represents K-pop superstars BTS has confirmed that all seven members of the group will be serving their mandatory military terms without any special exemptions.

In a statement released this week, Big Hit Music confirmed that the group were committed to fulfilling their military obligations despite questions about whether or not the group would be exempt.

The news comes after BTS performed together at their Yet To Come concert in Busan which was live-streamed around the world for their fans.

“After the phenomenal concert to support Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each member embarks on solo endeavours, it’s the perfect time and the members of BTS are honoured to serve,” the label wrote in a statement.

“Other members of the group plan to carry out their military service based on their own individual plans,” they added, continuing “both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment”.

Despite it being required for all able-bodied South Korean males to serve 18 to 21 months in the military before they turn 35, there had been questions about whether the group should be given special allowances given their significant contribution to the country’s economy.

Earlier this year, the country’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said it would confirm its stance on whether or not the K-pop group would be required to serve by December 2022.

But as the eldest member of the group, Jin, turns 30 that same month, the group’s label shared BTS’s plan to serve with some members enlisting sooner than expected.