Global superstars BTS are approaching a hiatus due to military service.
RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are set to enlist, meaning all seven BTS members will fulfill their military obligations.
Under the revised Military Service Act of 2020, BTS members could delay enlistment until the age of 30, but four members have decided to cancel their deferment and enlist as active-duty soldiers, following Jin and J-Hope's earlier enlistment.
A hiatus in 2024 as all members serve
According to the music industry, RM and V are expected to enlist at a training center on November 11, and Jimin and Jungkook at a different facility on November 12. Big Hit Music has been reserved in comments, considering safety concerns. All seven members are expected to have enlisted by early next year at the latest. Jin and J-Hope, who enlisted in December last year and April this year, respectively, are expected to complete their service in mid-2023. Suga, classified as a public service worker, began his duty in September.
Last year, BTS paused group activities following the release of their 9th-anniversary album 'Proof'. However, the members' active solo pursuits have largely filled the void.
Since their debut in 2013, BTS has continually reached new heights, breaking their own records. They became global stars in 2020 after topping the US Billboard Hot 100 with "Dynamite". They were the first Korean act to be invited to the three major American music award ceremonies, performing solo stages.
Subsequent releases like "Savage Love", "Life Goes On", "Butter", "Permission to Dance", and the Coldplay collaboration "My Universe" have all hit number 1 on the Hot 100. Their global chart domination and achievements in international music award ceremonies have cemented their status as 21st-century pop icons.
Despite concerns over their sudden group hiatus and some members' military enlistment, their solo activities have been encouraging.
J-Hope to Jungkook, their solo songs have topped major music charts, with Jimin and Jungkook achieving Billboard Hot 100 number 1s, and setting new records in year-end charts.
2025: 'Veteran Boy Scouts' Return for a Second 'Flower of Youth'
Interest is also growing around BTS's return post-military service. With Jin and J-Hope expected to be discharged in June and October next year, their individual activities are likely to minimize the group's hiatus.
The 10th-anniversary documentary 'BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star' is set to release on Disney Plus on the 20th, and content for Suga's YouTube channel 'Suchwita' has been filmed up to his enlistment.
The agency and members are hopeful for a team activity resumption in 2025. BTS has already secured this comeback by renewing their contract with Big Hit Music.
Their 2015 release 'The Most Beautiful Moment in Life' series, symbolizing 'life's most beautiful moments' and 'youth', was instrumental in BTS's rise to global fame. They announced their presence on the global stage with 'The Most Beautiful Moment in Life, Pt. 2', entering the Billboard 200 for the first time.
Expectations are high for their second 'Flower of Youth' era in 2025. RM hinted in 'Suchwita' that 2025 could see significant group activities, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the 'The Most Beautiful Moment in Life' series.
Kim Tae-ho, COO of HYBE, has announced plans for a commemorative project in 2025, celebrating the 10th anniversary of the influential album series.
