Big Hit Music quickly responded to reports circulating on social media about the military enlistment of BTS member Jin.
Earlier today, November 24, 2022, several reports from South Korean news outlets stated that Jin is set to enlist for his mandatory military service on December 13, 2022.
The reports also added that Jin, who turns 30 on December 4, 2022, will enter the 5th Infantry Division recruit training center in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, in South Korea at 2 p.m., the usual time that Korean military training centers open their doors to hundreds of recruits.
He will also be deployed as an active-duty soldier at a frontline unit, referring to a unit near the border of South Korea and North Korea.
In response to this, BTS's agency briefly commented that they cannot confirm the date and details of Jin's enlistment as of the moment.
Big Hit Music said, "It is difficult to confirm. We ask for your generous understanding."
Following the reports, "seokjin" already became a trending topic on Twitter.
The news left ARMYs overwhelmed and emotional, with some even expressing concern about Jin's safety.
Meanwhile, Jin, the oldest member of BTS, took to Weverse to leave a private message for their fans.
The message reads, as translated to English by Korean media outlet Allkpop:
"News did I did not intend to go public has been published, but my ARMYs, you shouldn't come to the training center.
"There will be many others coming to enlist or accompany their loved ones as they enlist, so it will be hectic and could lead to potentially dangerous situations.
"ARMYs, I love you."
On October 17, 2022, Big Hit Music made the announcement that all members of BTS will enlist in the military with Jin going first.
Read: BTS members to enlist in mandatory military service; will reconvene in 2025
Big Hit also confirmed that the other members—RM, Jhope, Suga, Jimin, V, and Jungkook will serve the mandatory military duty according to their respective plans, promising their fans that they will regroup in 2025.
"BIG HIT MUSIC is proud to announce today that the members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service.
"After the phenomenal concert to support Busan's bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each individual embarks on solo endeavors, it's the perfect time and the members of BTS are honored to serve."