Now that BTS members Jin (Kim Seokjin), J-Hope (Jung Hoseok), and Suga (Min Yoongi) have been serving in the military, fans are wondering when they will be back. The rest of the bandmates, RM (Kim Namjoon), Jimin (Park Jimin), V (Kim Taehyung), and Jungkook (Jeon Jungkook) are yet to enlist. The group has also released multiple solo projects before their respective enlistment.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men must enlist for the military by the age of 28. However, there are a few exceptions, including classical and traditional musicians, notable elite athletes or performers, who contribute to the country’s image and economy. Speculations arose that BTS might be exempt from the same, but HYBE announced in June 2023 that all members will be serving in the military.
BTS military service dates: When did Jin, J-Hope & Suga enlist?
As mentioned earlier, three members of the South Korean K-pop boy band BTS have already begun their mandatory military enlistment. Since the creation of the band in 2010 and their subsequent debut three years later, they have taken the K-pop industry by storm, gathering over millions of fans worldwide. While it was sad for fans to see the members not performing as a group for a couple of years, they also held their head high with respect for the band fulfilling their duties.
At 30 years old, the eldest member of BTS, Jin (Kim Seokjin), was the first to enlist in the military on December 13, 2022. Yeoncheon County military training center held a purple banner welcoming the member and all the enlisted men. Ahead of his enlistment, he released his single ‘The Astronaut’ with Coldplay, with the two performing together in Argentina. Jin is likely to be expected to return in June 2024.
BTS J-Hope (Jung Hoseok) enlisted in the military on April 18, 2023. His enlistment ceremony took place in the city of Wonju, Gangwon. Ahead of his enlistment, the idol released the studio album Jack in the Box and even headlined in Lollapalooza, Chicago. J-Hope is likely to return on October 24, 2024.
BTS’ Suga became the third member of the group to enlist in the military. He enlisted on September 22, 2023, but gave fans enough content to view in his absence. Not only did he release his solo album D-Day but he also embarked on a world tour from April-August 2023. Suga will most likely return in February 2025.
On December 1, 2020, the National Assembly voted in favor of a new law. It entailed postponement of military service for artists who receive the recommendation of the Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. While BTS was eligible for the same, having received the Order of Merit in 2018, the members decided against it. Moreover, the seven BTS members have renewed their contracts with their agency BigHit Music, a label operated by HYBE Corporation.
