{"id":8466,"date":"2025-03-14T19:03:29","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T22:03:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bangtannow.com\/?p=8466"},"modified":"2025-06-22T20:13:13","modified_gmt":"2025-06-22T23:13:13","slug":"bts-military-all-the-key-details-about-the-members-military-service","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bangtannow.com\/en\/bts-military-all-the-key-details-about-the-members-military-service\/","title":{"rendered":"BTS Military: All the Key Details About the Members’ Military Service"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

BTS Military<\/strong> has been a highly searched topic in recent years. We all know it wasn\u2019t easy dealing with the military service that led BTS to take a break from their career. Actually, all members have now completed their military service<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll break down how military service works in South Korea and what impact it has on BTS and their fans<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BTS Military Enlistment \u2013 How It Works<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Military service in South Korea is quite different from what we know in Brazil. To begin with, the country still lives under military tension with North Korea<\/strong>, a lingering consequence of a war that, although technically ended, has not brought lasting peace. In reality, the two countries are not in a state of peace, but rather under an armistice<\/strong>\u2014a kind of ceasefire agreed upon by both sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Korean War and the Context of Military Service<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To summarize: the Korean War was an armed conflict between South Korea (supported by the United States and the UN) and North Korea (backed by the Soviet Union and China). The war began on June 25, 1950, when North Korea invaded the South in an attempt to unify the peninsula under a communist regime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The war saw advances and retreats from both sides, resulting in millions of deaths, including civilians. On July 27, 1953, an armistice was signed, but no peace treaty was ever concluded\u2014meaning that the two Koreas are technically still at war. The border was set along the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ)<\/strong>, one of the most heavily militarized regions in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Military Service Works in South Korea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The length of mandatory military service in South Korea varies depending on the category and branch of service. In general, recruits serve between 18 and 21 months<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All Korean men undergo a physical fitness assessment<\/strong> for military service. After that, a recruit can be assigned to the Army, Navy, or Air Force. There’s also mandatory social service (such as administrative or support roles in hospitals, public institutions, or schools), or the possibility of receiving a medical exemption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the first five weeks of basic training<\/strong>, recruits have their wallets, phones, and other personal items taken away. After this period, once they’re assigned to a base, a family member or friend can send their belongings back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Military Service and What Made BTS Different<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

But as with everything related to BTS, even their military service came with unique circumstances<\/strong>. So let\u2019s go through a full recap of what happened before, during, and after enlistment\u2014and we promise to keep this article updated now that all 7 members are back to normal life<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The \u201cBTS Law\u201d \u2013 The Impact of BTS Military<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By Korean law, male citizens must enlist between the ages of 18 and 28. But if you think back, you’ll remember that Jin was already 29<\/strong> when he enlisted. So how was that possible?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

South Korea already had special exemptions in place for Olympic athletes and artists<\/strong> who had achieved outstanding accomplishments in their fields. These individuals could delay their military service until the age of 30\u2014but K-pop idols weren\u2019t originally included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That changed with the introduction of the so-called \u201cBTS Law\u201d<\/strong> in December 2020. The law extended the eligibility for delayed enlistment to \u201cartists with merit,\u201d<\/strong> not just those in classical or traditional Korean music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This legal change sparked some controversy, with parts of Korean society criticizing the government for granting such benefits to \u201cjust idols.\u201d Still, thanks to BTS Military<\/strong>, pop artists are now officially recognized as artists too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After all, it’s worth noting that in 2018, all seven BTS members received the Order of Cultural Merit<\/strong> from the South Korean government. So, it\u2019s only fitting that they were granted this benefit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BTS Military Enlistment Timeline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The BTS Military enlistment<\/strong> followed age order, with Jin<\/strong>, the oldest member, being the first to report for duty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jin<\/a> enlisted on December 13, 2022<\/strong>, and was discharged on June 12, 2024<\/strong>. He was promoted to sergeant four months early<\/strong> due to his excellent military performance. That\u2019s right, ARMY\u2014Jin isn\u2019t just the funny guy. Korean soldiers noted that less than 10% of recruits<\/strong> earn this kind of promotion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt first, it was challenging for me to run 3 kilometers in 15 minutes. However, I gradually got in shape by running every day. As a new recruit, I was always one of the first to finish. I think I was promoted to elite soldier because I built the endurance to complete a 3-kilometer run.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next up was J-Hope<\/a><\/strong>, who enlisted on April 18, 2023<\/strong>, and was discharged on October 17, 2024<\/strong>, where he was greeted by Jin with a huge bouquet of flowers. Did anyone else spend hours watching the gate of a Korean military base? \ud83d\ude0a<\/p>\n\n\n\n

J-Hope stood out as a training instructor<\/strong>, and we can only imagine what it must have been like for new recruits to be trained by Hobi! One of his trainees said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhile other instructors scolded us, Hoseok-hyung was the only one who comforted and supported us.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI still believe these experiences are invaluable. The thoughts I had during this period became an inseparable part of me, nurturing and shaping who I am today,\u201d<\/em> J-Hope told Billboard<\/em> after his discharge. \u201cIn the end, they influenced the stories I tell, the music I want to create, my choreography, and every aspect of my work, deepening my understanding of my own thoughts.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Controversies Around BTS Military Enlistment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It wasn\u2019t just the \u201cBTS Law\u201d<\/strong> that sparked controversy in South Korea. Allegations of supposed \u201cprivileges\u201d for the members became a recurring topic. SUGA<\/a>\u2019s military enlistment<\/strong> was also surrounded by public debate from the very beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BTS Military: SUGA\u2019s Alternative Service<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

SUGA began his alternative military service<\/strong> on September 22, 2023<\/strong>. But why was it \u201calternative\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He was deemed unfit for active duty after receiving a Grade 4<\/strong> in his physical exam, due to a shoulder injury from a car accident in 2012<\/strong>, a year before BTS debuted. This was the same injury that caused him deep pain for ten years, until he was finally able to undergo surgery during the pandemic-induced break.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, some antis, haters, and idle critics felt the need to attack a BTS member, questioning his classification as unfit. This sparked debate in the media and online for quite some time\u2014until it became abundantly clear that he truly wasn\u2019t physically capable of conventional service<\/strong>. Anyone with a shred of common sense knows that even after surgery, injuries leave lasting damage, and there\u2019s no reason to put someone at risk because of that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, SUGA continued serving<\/strong> (quietly, as we know) in administrative and social roles<\/strong>. Due to his classification, his military service lasted longer<\/strong> than that of the other members: instead of 18 months, he served 21 months<\/strong>, making him the last to be discharged<\/strong> on June 21, 2025<\/strong> (in South Korea).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So much for being \u201csuper privileged\u201d!<\/strong> \ud83d\ude43<\/p>\n\n\n\n

RM and V: Military Service in Gangwon Province<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

RM<\/a> and V<\/a> began their military service on December 11, 2023<\/strong>. Tae and Nam served in Gangwon Province<\/strong> and were discharged on June 10, 2025<\/strong>. Both were promoted to sergeants<\/strong>. RM served in the 15th Division in Hwacheon<\/strong>, while V was stationed at the Ssangyong unit in Chuncheon<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the fact that RM and V served at the same base didn\u2019t cause much buzz, the same can\u2019t be said for Jungkook and Jimin<\/strong>, who served together at another base under what\u2019s called the buddy system<\/strong>. But what does that mean?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jungkook and Jimin: The Controversy Around the Buddy System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unlike RM and V, who were at the same base but in different units, Jimin<\/a> and Jungkook<\/a> requested a special benefit<\/strong> to serve together. That\u2019s why they were sent to the same basic training center and lived in the same division. From their Weverse interactions and post-discharge live, it was clear they were side by side the entire time<\/strong>\u2014which is wonderful\u2014but antis, haters, and especially opposing shippers fueled waves of hate<\/strong>, especially against Jimin<\/strong>, suggesting a romantic relationship between the two during their time in the military.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Deep breaths, ARMY…<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

First of all, opting for the buddy system<\/strong> is a right available to any Korean citizen who wishes to do their military service alongside a friend or family member. It was simply a matter of personal choice and logistical convenience<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Secondly, they\u2019re members of the most famous group on the planet<\/strong>. Naturally, all eyes at that military unit were on them. Their behavior was under constant observation, 24\/7. And from what we\u2019ve seen, the discharged soldiers haven\u2019t held back on their praise for both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In short\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JK and Jimin<\/strong>, both holding the rank of sergeant<\/strong>, were discharged on June 11<\/strong>, just one day after RM and V, and just days before SUGA\u2019s release.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BTS Military Life: A Glimpse Into Their Daily Routine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although Jin and J-Hope<\/strong> seemed to handle military service smoothly\u2014and the other members appear to be doing well too\u2014military service is no joke<\/strong>. The conditions can be tough and demanding, but that\u2019s simply part of what military life entails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We know ARMY tends to worry every time news breaks that one of the members went through intense training, but let\u2019s be clear: they are well protected<\/strong>\u2014not because they\u2019re idols from the biggest K-pop group, but because no army wants its recruits to get injured<\/strong>. It\u2019s true that Tae once shared he injured his ribs<\/strong> during a training session, but we can be confident he was well cared for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We don\u2019t have detailed information about the BTS members\u2019 daily routines in the military\u2014most of what happens on base is kept under strict confidentiality\u2014but it\u2019s almost certain they slept in shared dorms<\/strong>, ate meals with fellow soldiers<\/strong>, and participated in group activities<\/strong>\u2014meaning zero privacy and only the bare essentials<\/strong> for comfort. Schedules are rigid and definitely far from what they were used to as global artists\u2014but they adapted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meals are the same for everyone, and the fandom diligently shared the daily menus<\/strong>, which looked quite hearty, by the way \ud83d\ude0a.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s nothing like a summer camp, but also far from a torture camp\u2014so we need to stay calm and trust that everything is okay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They couldn\u2019t use their phones whenever they wanted, so the posts we saw from Nam, Tae, JK, and Jimin<\/strong> were most likely shared during designated free time<\/strong>, when communication with the outside world is allowed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Military Leaves That Gave Us Iconic Moments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The leaves they had\u2014just like any other Korean citizen\u2014brought us some unforgettable moments<\/strong>, like JK\u2019s legendary live<\/a><\/strong>, viral dance videos (both his and Tae\u2019s<\/a>), and of course, Tae\u2019s photos<\/strong> and Nam\u2019s posts<\/strong>, filled with clips from his life with fellow recruits and his thoughtful writings (oh, those texts… \ud83e\udd79).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s not forget the playlists from JK and Nam<\/strong>, which lead swarms of listeners to artists we might never have discovered otherwise. And some of their Weverse interactions<\/strong> gifted us with both emotion and humor<\/strong>. They\u2019ve basically turned the Weverse chat into their own little WhatsApp group\u2014for our joy and entertainment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, this doesn\u2019t apply to Yoongi<\/strong>, as we all know. He told us: \u201cSee you in 2025.\u201d<\/em> The fact that we, as ARMY, have been on standby since the very first minute of January 2025<\/strong>\u2014well, that was entirely our choice \ud83d\ude0a.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do we miss him? So much!<\/strong> But anyone who’s been in the fandom for a while knows that SUGA is one of a kind<\/strong>\u2014and that\u2019s exactly why we love and respect him so deeply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He has now completed his military service, but unlike the other members, there was no official send-off<\/strong>\u2014a result of the type of service he performed, as we explained earlier. True to his nature, he chose not to go live<\/strong>, instead leaving a quiet message on Weverse<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still, he promised to bring us updates soon<\/strong>. And of course, we\u2019ll be right here, waiting for him.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

That Said\u2026 Let\u2019s Speculate: What\u2019s Coming Next?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Future of BTS After Military Service<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

With the BTS Military chapter now complete in 2025<\/strong>, fans are eagerly waiting for the group’s return. Expectations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 The release of new albums and singles<\/strong> shortly after discharge.
\u2022 A world tour announcement<\/strong> to reconnect with their global fanbase.
\u2022 Appearances at events and award shows<\/strong> to mark their comeback.
\u2022 The continuation of solo projects<\/strong> that began before enlistment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The BTS Comeback: An Absolute Certainty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The comeback has never really been up for debate. Ever since BTS announced their hiatus during FESTA 2022<\/strong>, we\u2019ve known: they\u2019re coming back<\/strong>. And if anyone still had doubts, just rewatch the final \u201cHope on the Stage\u201d concert, where j-hope boldly declared: \u201cWe are back!\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This comeback is happening\u2014and it\u2019s set to be the biggest in K-pop history<\/strong>, and quite possibly one of the greatest in the history of pop music<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even Hybe\u2019s headquarters lit up the phrase \u201cWE ARE BACK\u201d<\/strong> on its facade the night before the last members were discharged. So much emotion, ARMY!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u25b6\ufe0f Watch Hybe\u2019s building during Tae, Nam, Jimin, and JK\u2019s discharge week\u2014right before SUGA\u2019s return too:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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