The remaining members of the global pop sensation BTS have initiated the procedures for their military enlistment in South Korea.
As stated in a statement released by BIGHIT Music on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook of BTS have officially commenced the military enlistment process.
The statement reads, published as is: "Hello. This is BIGHIT MUSIC.
"We would like to inform our fans that RM, Jimin, V, and JungKook have initiated the military enlistment process.
"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 safely return.
"Our company will spare no effort in providing support for our artists. Thank you."
In South Korea, men between the ages of 18 and 35, who are deemed physically fit, are obligated to serve in the military for a period of 18 to 21 months.
This mandatory military service requires South Korean idols, despite their successful careers, to temporarily set aside their professional endeavors.
The announcement left their fanbase, the ARMYs, feeling disheartened, realizing that they would be without all seven members during this period.
One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "I knew it was coming. Maybe its better all 4 at one time rather than one at a time [emoji] its like ripping the bandaid off quicker?? Just trying to look at the positive."
An X user wrote, "me getting sad that all 4 of them are gonna enlist soon, but then realizing that this is the last time will get this kind of notif from bighit. and the possible next "hello this is bighit music" announcement will get is about seokjin coming back."
Another ARMY wrote, "it’s like… i wanted all 4 of them to go together but i wasn’t expecting them go altogether AT ALL and now i’m just in shock [emoji]"
Presently, Jin, J-Hope, and Suga are fulfilling their mandatory military service. Jin is anticipated to complete his duties by June 2024. The entire group is expected to reunite by 2025.
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