As a K-pop and K-drama fan, you’ve probably heard about mandatory military enlistment, but what exactly is it? In South Korea, every able-bodied man must serve in the military by the age of 28. While there are occasional exceptions for Korean citizens excelling in sports or the arts on an international level, such exemptions are rare for actors and idols.
The biggest boy group in the whole world right now, BTS members were allowed to delay their enlistment because of their contribution to the arts and the economy. However, all the members have now withdrawn their requests to delay their service, starting with Jin, who enlisted in December 2022. Now, all BTS members are serving in the military, with Jin being the first to return earlier this month. Let’s see how long until we see our favorite boys back in the K-pop scene!
BTS Jin
Date of Enlistment: December 13, 2022
Date of Discharge: June 12, 2024
Kim Seok Jin, the oldest member of the group, was the first to enlist in 2022 as an active-duty soldier and was discharged on June 12, 2024. Known for his visuals and charismatic stage presence, Jin is called Mr. Worldwide Handsome due to his stunning looks. Besides his pretty face, Jin is known for his vocal abilities as the group’s lead vocalist and has also contributed to the group’s songwriting. Before his enlistment in 2022, he made his solo debut with “The Astronaut,” which topped charts worldwide.
BTS J-Hope
Date of Enlistment: April 18, 2023
Expected Date of Discharge: October 17, 2024
Jung Ho Seok, better known as J-Hope, was the second member of the group to enlist, beginning his service in April 2023 as an active-duty soldier. J-Hope is expected to return in October 2024, and we all can’t wait for him to come back! Known for his infectious energy and impeccable dancing skills, J-Hope is recognized as one of the best dancers in K-pop. J-Hope has also composed and produced some songs including his mixtape “Hope World.”
BTS Suga
Date of Enlistment: September 22, 2023
Expected Date of Discharge: June 21, 2025
Min Yoon Gi, more popularly known as Suga, is the third BTS member to enlist in the military. He enlisted in September 2023 as a social worker and is expected to be discharged in June 2025. Suga is the group’s main rapper, as well as a songwriter and producer of some of their biggest hits. Starting as an underground rapper, Suga has risen to become one of the best rappers not only in K-pop but worldwide. He has also produced hit songs for top artists like IU and Psy.
BTS RM
Date of Enlistment: December 11, 2023
Expected Date of Discharge: June 10, 2025
Kim Nam Joon, better known as RM, is the next BTS member to enlist, alongside V. He began his service as an active-duty soldier in December 2023. As the group’s leader and main rapper, RM is a significant reason behind BTS’s success. Known for his deep voice, exceptional lyrical skills, and intellect, RM has written numerous hits for the group, such as “Dope,” “Save Me,” and “Spring Day.” His solo albums have been critically acclaimed for their unique artistic approaches.
BTS V
Date of Enlistment: December 11, 2023
Expected Date of Discharge: June 10, 2025
Kim Tae Hyung, popularly known as V, also began his military service in December 2023, enlisting at the same time as RM in the military police. V is celebrated for his deep, soulful voice and striking visuals, both of which have significantly contributed to BTS’s sound and image. V made his acting debut with a supporting role in the historical drama “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth” and contributed the single “It’s Definitely You” to its soundtrack. His solo tracks, such as “Love Me Again” and “Sweet Night,” are loved worldwide.
BTS Jimin
Date of Enlistment: December 12, 2023
Expected Date of Discharge: June 11, 2025
Park Ji Min is the seventh BTS member to enlist, joining the Artillery Unit in the 5th Infantry Division in December 2023. As the IT boy of this generation, Jimin is celebrated for his ethereal vocals and dancing skills, making him everyone’s favorite K-pop boy. He has started many trends thanks to his amazing stage presence and charismatic appeal. His solo debut highlighted his incredible vocal range and emotional expression.
BTS Jungkook
Date of Enlistment: December 12, 2023
Expected Date of Discharge: June 11, 2025
Jeon Jung Kook, often referred to as the “Golden Maknae” of K-pop, is the ace of the group because of his many talents and enlisted at the same time with Jimin in December 2023. As the main vocalist, dancer, and songwriter, Jungkook is loved for his versatility and depth as an artist. Prior to his enlistment, Jungkook made his solo debut with “Golden,” which gave birth to worldwide hits “Seven,” “3D,” and “Standing Next To You.” These songs became sensations, earning him the title of the “Main Pop Boy” of the world.
BTS Collections on KOCOWA+
We really have to wait until 2025 before we get that BTS comeback. But for those missing the boys, KOCOWA+ has a lot of BTS collections ranging from concerts to reality shows and more.
To start off, you can watch “BTS BANG BANG CON: The Live,” the “BTS SPEAK YOURSELF” tours at Wembley Stadium in London, Saudi, and Seoul, and the “BTS: LOVE YOURSELF” tours in Europe, New York, and “BTS MAGIC SHOP in Seoul. “BREAK THE SILENCE” the movie and docu-series, along with “BRING THE SOUL” the movie and docu-series, are available on the platform.
Additionally, BTS V’s acting debut in “Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth” is streaming on KOCOWA+. He portrayed the youngest Hwarang, Seok Han Sung, who has a warm personality and gets along with everyone. V perfectly portrays a bright and innocent boy who carries a heavy burden as the last Seonggol of his clan, making him a beloved K-drama character to fans.
We really can’t wait for 2025, so let’s binge-watch BTS shows on KOCOWA+ available with professional subtitles.
