BTS K-Pop stars to do military service in South Korea

The K-pop stars of BTS will serve mandatory military service in South Korea, starting with the group's oldest member Jin, their agency announced Monday.

The global superstars of BTS will perform their mandatory military service in South Korea, the group's representatives said Monday, confirming a move that was long dreaded by their army of fans.

The group's seven members will all fulfill their requirement to serve and not seek any further delays or special exemptions, BigHit Music said in a statement. It said that oldest member Jin will be the first to serve, with the stars to reconvene as a group again around 2025 after fulfilling their service commitment.

Jin, 29, had faced possible enlistment starting early next year after he turns 30 in December, with BTS' members already granted a two-year extension. That had left a cloud over the group's future and divided the country over whether to let the beloved band delay further or skip the draft entirely.

BTS star Kim Seok-jin, also known as Jin. ImaZins via Getty Images fileUnder South Korean law, all able-bodied men are expected to serve 18 to 21 months in the military to defend against the threat from the country's nuclear-armed neighbor, North Korea. But the law allows for special exemptions to be made for some, including athletes, musicians and others who enhance the country's prestige.

BigHit Music said in the statement that the K-pop stars were "honored to serve" their country.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/bts-k-pop-stars-military-service-south-korea-rcna52497

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