K-pop powerhouse BTS is one step closer to reuniting.
The first member of the boy band BTS to enlist in the South Korean military, 31-year-old Kim Ji-young, was discharged Wednesday morning, the band’s record company said. Over the next year or so, his bandmates are expected to complete their military service, which is mandatory for nearly all South Korean men.
In June 2022, BTS shocked their army – the collective name for the seven-member band’s ardent fans – when they announced they would be taking a break from military service. BTS’ oldest member, Jin, whose real name is Jin Seok-jin, began his 18-month military service in December of that year. Prior to Jin’s enlistment, there had been much public debate over whether BTS should be exempted from military service, like Olympic medalists and some classical musicians.
Still, the group was given some wiggle room. Most men in South Korea must enlist by age 28. Just days before Kim reached that age, lawmakers amended the draft law to allow pop stars who have boosted South Korea’s reputation to defer enlistment for two years. Researchers say BTS’s global success has contributed billions of dollars to South Korea’s economy.
The group’s music also appears to have become a military asset. Earlier this week, South Korea fired K-pop music, reportedly including BTS’s hits “Dynamite” and “Butter,” at North Korea in retaliation. Hundreds of garbage balloons Pyongyang has been sending troops to the South.
In recent days, the band’s record company A plea to fans Don’t flock to the military base outside Seoul, where Kim Jong-un will be discharged from the military. Fans aren’t the only ones waiting for this day: Kim posted a ““D-100” Countdown to March on social media.
Here’s what you need to know about BTS and Korean talent shows.
Conscription periods are getting shorter and shorter.
For decades, conscripts typically had to serve for three years. By the early 21st century, that period had been shortened to 24 months. In 2021, the minimum period was reduced to 18 months.
The length of service varies: 18 months in the Army or Marines, 20 months in the Navy, and 21 months in the Air Force. All of the BTS members have signed up for military service, except for Suga, who is doing social work alternative service.
The band members have been releasing music continuously.
The last BTS members to enlist — RM, V, Jung Kook and Jimin — began their military service in December.
The band members have been active in business, releasing music and videos made before they enlisted. Last month, the group’s leader, RM, released an album, Right Place, Wrong Person, accompanied by a series of music videos. Jung Kook’s English album “Golden” Last year, it ranked first on the Billboard album sales chart. Friday.
A reunion is not imminent.
In 2022, BTS’s record company said the members will reunite “Around 2025” According to a spokesperson for the record label’s parent company, Hybe, that’s still the plan. Considering the group’s draft dates, fans will likely have to wait until at least mid-2025 to see all seven members perform together.
But fans were ecstatic on Wednesday. “I can’t believe this day has come,” one fan posted on X. “I am in tears.”
Kim is scheduled to make a public appearance in Seoul on Thursday. He has promised to hug 1,000 fans.
