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K-pop stars BTS to take time out for military service
BigHit MUSIC, the music label of K-pop sensation BTS, announced that the members of the boy band will fulfill their military service in South Korea. Jin will be the first to enlist following the release of his solo album later this month. “Both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025” following their military service, the company said in a statement.
Big Hit issued another statement on Twitter, saying the company and BTS members are “looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment.”
The confirmation ends years of debate over whether K-pop stars might be exempted from military duties.
BTS members to go to military starting with oldest member Jin
The seven BTS members had been allowed to put off starting their military service until they turned 30. The oldest, Jin, is currently 29.
He will begin preparations next month, the band’s management revealed on Monday. All seven members of the group – the youngest of whom is 24 – also plan on following through with their service, it said.
Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup had said in August that if BTS members join the military, they would likely be allowed to continue practicing and to join back with the group for tours overseas.
BTS may not regroup until 2025
The announcement suggests the band would probably not get back together for at least a couple of years.