Salva Mubarak Senior Features Writer

At this point, every BTS fan knows that they should be prepared for a rollercoaster of emotions anytime they get a notification that begins with “BIGHIT Announces…”. The latest announcement by the boy band’s agency was no different.

BTS is going to move forward with their plans to enlist in the military. The discussion and debates have been going on for years and the members have finally announced their decision to fulfill the mandatory military conscription. By law, South Korean men between the ages 18-35 have to serve in the military.

“BIGHIT MUSIC is proud to announce today that the members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfil their military service. After the phenomenal concert to support Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each individual embarks on solo endeavours, it’s a perfect time and the members of BTS are honoured to serve.”

During the concert, the group teased a big announcement related to the eldest member Jin, leading many fans to believe that it would be about his enlistment, but it was revealed that the singer is going to release a song by the end of this month. Turns out, an enlistment announcement was in the cards after all.

“Group member Jin will initiate the process as soon as his schedule for his solo release is concluded at the end of October. He will then follow the enlistment procedure of the Korean government. Other members of the group plan to carry out their military service based on their own individual plans. Both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment,” read the announcement.

Members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have been focusing on their solo projects ever since they announced a temporary break from group activities back in June, following an emotional anniversary dinner and the release of their anthology album Proof.

Predictably, the news has been met with an outpouring of encouraging messages and love from BTS ARMYs from around the world, echoing the concluding statement from the official announcement.

“Yet To Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)” is more than a track from their latest album, it is a promise, there’s much more yet to come in the years ahead from BTS.”