BTS: Why the South Korean boy band will be forced to go on hiatus

BTS is definitely the hottest and biggest boy band in the world right now, and there is no stopping their success. In fact, when the team released its newest album titled “Map of the Soul: 7,” it quickly topped various music charts worldwide, and the music video for their title track “ON” already gained over 83 million views in just four days.

BTS, which consists of seven members - RM, Jin, Jimin, Jungkook, V, J-Hope, and Suga are popular around the world, and there is no question about it. However, it seems that fans will have to deal with some not-so-good news as the team might be forced to go on hiatus even if they don’t want to.

Reason for the impending hiatus

Since debuting in 2013, BTS only went on hiatus last year. It was a much-deserved break after they continuously work to attain their global success. Now, they may go for longer hiatus starting next year as some of the members have to enlist in the army.

In South Korea, all able-bodied males are required to serve in the army regardless of their occupations. They must serve before they turn 29, and it is punishable by law to delay their service.

In this regard, since BTS Jin is already 27 years old, he must enlist next year. Fans worried about the members’ enlistment in the past, and they launched a petition to exempt the seven boys from military service since they brought in so much recognition for the country. Fans also pointed out that BTS let the world know about the Korean culture, and this should be enough to let them off from enlistment.

However, it was decided that BTS members should still enlist. This decision was the result after a series of meetings done by the military and government officials.

“Exempting pop culture artists from military service even though they have made a contribution to the country’s reputation is not in line with the government’s stance to uphold justice and fairness,” Reuters quoted Korea’s defense ministry as saying in the statement.

The members’ enlistment dates

Jin will be the first member to enter the army next year, and the following year, in 2021, Suga is expected to enlist next, and he will be followed shortly by RM and J-Hope, who is turning 26 this year. Jimin and V could start their service in 2022, and Jungkook may decide to go with them or enlist later since he is only 22 right now.

Finally, during the BTS global press conference that was held on Feb. 24, Jin was asked about his impending military enlistment. He is happy to say something to calm the fans who are worried about him.

“I think many people are curious about my enlistment, but nothing has been confirmed,” Cosmo quoted him as saying. “I’m careful on speaking about this, but I believe it is only natural to accept the mandatory military duty, and I will go when I receive a draft notice, no matter when that is.”