New news for the BTS Army. BTS joins Army!

Even though the members of legendary K-pop group BTS were earlier exempted from the mandatory military service applicable to all South Korean men, the decision has been upturned. Their management company HYBE (whose subsidiary Big Hit Music controls and distribute their music) has confirmed this news, announcing that the band (whose fans collectively call themselves "Army") would reconvene by 2025. However, no details have been offered on the exact timing and duration of their service. 

What does the law state? In South Korea, military service is mandatory for all able-bodied males aged between 18 and 28. This service can last for 18, 20, or 21 months. It has been a norm for all men who turn 18 and there can be a few exemptions particularly from wealthy and influential individuals (although rejecting the conscription is a much frowned-upon practice in Korean society). 

Why was BTS exempt? For all the cultural influence that BTS carried on the global stage, its seven members were exempted from military service. Back in 2020, the group even won a deferral case with the South Korean parliament passing a bill that would delay their duties at least till the age of 30. 

What changes now? With the new decision, the eldest member Jin (aged 29) is set to begin his preparations for training next month. The other members will follow suit although their training time is unspecified. The youngest member of the troupe is 25-year-old Jungkook. 

Currently, the band was on hiatus when it comes to recording music but they were still performing together with all members also pursuing their individual music projects on the side. Back in August, the South Korean Minister for National Defense Lee Jong-sup stated that even if the members joined the military, the prospects of them performing after getting enlisted still exist. 

As for the fans AKA the "Army'', they are regularly posting updates on Twitter with the hashtags "We Will Wait For You" and "Forever With BTS".