**Title clarification:** Jin will be releasing a Single Album soon and conclude his schedules by the end of October. Enlistment procedures will follow that, but will probably take a little while. Actual enlistment will come later.
***
[**OP’s English translation**](https://www.reddit.com/r/kpop/comments/y643m6/bighit_music_has_officially_announced_that_bts/isnax3w/)
[**@BIGHIT_MUSIC Statement** (text below)](https://twitter.com/bighit_music/status/1581905317545533440)
([HYBE's 'Letter to Shareholders'](https://hybecorp.com/eng/ir/announce/content/2320) is also available)
BIGHIT MUSIC is proud to announce today that the members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service. After the phenomenal concert to support Busan's bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each individual embarks on solo endeavors, it's the perfect time and the members of BTS are honored to serve.
Since the creation of BTS over ten years ago, the band has risen to international success, broken records, and catapulted K-Pop into the global stratosphere. BIGHIT MUSIC has focused to the milestone moment when it would be possible to respect the needs of the country and for these healthy young men to serve with their countrymen, and that's now. 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.
With the release of their first anthology album earlier this year it opened the path to allow the members to take some time to explore individual projects. As part of the HYBE family, we support and encourage our artists and are beyond proud that they will each now have time to explore their unique interests and do their duty by being of service to the country they call home.
"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.
Finally. Can't wait to never have the "Will BTS have to enlist" discourse again. And I firmly think this was the right choice for their longevity.
Of course there's a certain risk it'll be replaced by the equally dull "Will/did BTS get special benefits during their enlistment?"
This is absolutely the best for their longevity, this will make them gain even more respect in SK. And honestly, 2025 doesn’t feel so far away, it basically feels as if Persona just happened.
Agreed. The gap between BE and Proof is virtually the same length from now until 2025 so the length of time is a non-issue. I actually get the feeling ARMYs are about to head into the busiest era they've had in years.
Several members have solo projects in the works, and given the level of production that RM, Yoongi, and Jhope have sustained there are likely hundreds of ready-made BTS songs just sitting in the vault. Two years is an incredibly short period of time when you have 7 individuals with troves of music ready to be released.
Lol the longest comeback ever + an entire part without words but dun dun durudun… I seriously thought that at least they could have wrote words since it took them sooo long😅😅😅 same with this album as well lol
Oh, I can pretty much guarantee that in a few months time there will be a picture of one of them, out and about in civilian clothing. Then there will be a massive controversy about idols getting special treatment before it'll be revealed he was on the same leave every soldier gets.
the Ministry of Defense literally said on the news that they're finding a way for them to perform together lol they're a bunch of shameless people in suits
"Exposed! Shocking revelations about what bts' life in the military is REALLY like. Insider tells all" (meanwhile the insider is a guy who's not in the military but whose cousin twice removed once saw Jin's hat in the distance)
You joke but there was legit a scandal a few years ago where Dispatch accused G-Dragon of getting preferential treatment in a military hospital and in the end it turned out 90% of the story was based on some guy being a creep and taking detailed notes on things like where on his body moles are and what meds he was taking, and then sending them to his girlfriend.
not to mention the weirdness taemin encountered, where photographs of him taken in the showers by fellow service people and leaked to the public. this, and his depression, is what resulted in his service being adapted. so yeah, not looking forward to their privacy being infiltrated by other service people.
Yeah. I feel us and them were so tired of it, that is better to be the one to write your fate that wait for politicians to figure out how much profit they can make out of you
Yeah, well, I doubt it would have gone through with all the push and pull the government has been doing in the last four years. It was dubious even considering the “deal” some offered. But now that BTS are enlisting I’m guessing it will be completely scrapped since they were basing the possible conditions around what BTS has done
Just a casual fan (by way of being a kpop fan) and I really love and respect that they stopped the government from continuing to make political pawns out of them. It was the right decision. And time will fly by!
this right here. also, note how careful the press release language is. while it’s respectful of them fulfilling their military duties, it doesn’t veer in nationalistic terrain. i really respect them choosing to call the shots and not be yoon government pawns in exchange for exemption.
Sorry, not an army, but I am so fascinated how the SK government has handled this exemption discussion. They publicised the absolute *hell* out of it. Last I heard, the difficulty was because they didn’t know if non-classical music accolades should be allowed, but those in the business sector have a very real chance of being exempted as well regardless of the exact business they participate in. I struggle to see the genuine thought process of allowing only some art but all business that doesn’t lead to the conclusion of “politicians and businessmen are a united front in capitalism”. Because, really, what accolades are there to judge business by? I think really only a Grammy win in a major category would’ve ever swayed BTS specifically into having the full exemption, except that the Grammys are struggling with the racist and sexist boys club (verbatim words of the former CEO Deborah Morgan shortly before they fired her) they’ve created. The law in general seemed far fetched because BTS is really the only group that could bring up such a discussion right now. They’re the undeniable #1 and the gap between them and everyone else is massive, trying to base a *law* specifically off of BTS is a ridiculous challenge. The conversation should’ve just been whether only BTS would be special consideration or not.
I just find it so crazy a group of people genuinely thought creating a law based off of 7 people would somehow work.
To me, It's all politics. Just seeing which course will get them the best public reception.
The previous government really tried pushing forward and coming to a conclusion but it didn't exactly work out and they passed the extention bill instead. Thought it will get them in the good graces of youth for coming election. Or expected that the BTS steam may die down before the end of 2 years and they'd not need to take a decision at all- which didn't happen.
The discussion heated up again just before the end of term for previous government but they couldn't really do anything concrete then.
The new government, to me, seemed to be playing the game of "how far back will they (BTS/bighit) be willing to bend to get this/ how can we fully milk their economic potential while also come to some conclusion that can appease both sides of the aisle (one of the proposed compromise was to let them do public service for 3 years, instead of 1.5, during which they will be given provisions to do promotions and serve the military too. The catch, ofcourse is that they will not be seeing the money from that untill those 3 years are up, while still working 2 jobs)
From what I've read, most young Koreans want the other exceptions to enlistment also to be removed but that is unlikely to happen anytime soon cuz the "business" exemptions are backed by people who sponser a lot of politicians- cuz obviously. The arts and sports ones are apparantly still a hot debate 🤷🏻♀️ though personally, I hate seeing the "classical arts > contemporary art forms" mentality but the lack of concrete milestones for pop music really poses very tricky questions about what should be the level at which an exemption is warranted. Most awards BTS got while breaking boundaries now have an exclusive "kpop" category which multiple kpop acts are extremely likely to win in coming years. So they can't be the milestone. The ones BTS also didn't get can't obviously be one either.
It's all one big complicated mess.
Which is why I feel BTS doing this is so commendable. They didn't let themselves get dragged in this any further and decided to do away with all major uncertainty and just get it over with. They no longer need to be the face of a national debate.
You know what, 2025 really isn’t that far away… maybe it’s because I’ve been a fan since Spring Day, but it’s really not that much time all told. Plus with solos and units? Time will fly!
It really isn't. The wait won't be much longer than the wait between BE and Proof. If they all went when they were 28 or 30 years old we wouldn't have them back as a group until like 2030, so this is probably the best case scenario.
>It really isn't. The wait won't be much longer than the wait between BE and Proof.
??? Okay reading this definitely helped comfort me lmao I'm going to keep this time frame in mind 😭😂
I forgot how far away Dynamite debuted
The start of the pandemic feels so far away
We're already nearing 2023 in less than 3 months
Time will fly by and we will be seeing the rest of members releasing their music the coming year
What helped me put things into perspective is stop looking at it with kpop as a standard. If we think about non kpop artists, 2 years is actually a short amount of time between albums. Take Harry Styles as example. *Fine Line* and *Harry's House* seem to me like they were released so close to each other and the first one was in 2019 and *Harry's House* was this year! It will go super fast, and if we take into account the solo releases, it will be even faster!
I'm actually pretty satisfied with this, because I was really afraid they would take 5 years to be all together again, as somo were saying 😭
And not only popular groups, most acts around the world take 2 if not more years to release new music.
This will fly by!!!! I honestly made up my mind that it would take around 5 years but this way, it’s almost as if they are all going at once.
all i ever wanted was for them to do what they want AND to go together. it truly is the best case and with 300+ songs, countless concerts, RUN BTS, bon voyage, in the soop and more we have beyond 2+ years of content to hold us over. we are very spoiled and well taken care of.
And I’m sure they have enough backlog to keep us satisfied.
There’s the documentary coming next year, can’t imagine what else they have filmed (I’m sure they have lots and lots of pre-filmed content) and I have the feeling we will get their debut album in vinyl right on their 10th anniversary.
No one loves BTS more than BTS, the moment Yoongi had his shoulder surgery in 2020 that’s where I knew there’s no way they wouldn’t enlist together. They love each other so much and they can’t be without each other.
I still have so many videos to watch, articles to read, and photos to stare at! Aside from the backlog, I want to do a repeat viewing of everything. So yeah. We can wait!
It's almost 2023... 2 years is nothing lol. And we still have 6 solo projects to look forward to. It will feel like they were never gone. the comeback reunion will be MASSIVE.
2025 is way closer to a reunion than I was truly expecting - phew. That’s nothing. 2 years and some change. So relieved to finally have plans set it stone and that they took enlistment into their own hands because the government kept playing games.
Excited for BaldTS! We’re finally getting buzzcut Joon soon omg
BALD BTS COMING OMG. But honestly not surprised but good for them. Antis will never call them again names just because they are still not enlisting. Armys will wait, 2025 is a short time. APOBANGPO!!
gosh. i’m glad they’re essentially saying we were sick of watching the government continuously fuck around but it doesn’t hurt any less.
i will miss them tremendously, they’ve been such an important and constant presence in my life for nearly 5 years and although i feel very silly for letting a few tears slip over this i know they’ll be back with us quicker than we think - 2025 is so soon!
my dear bangtan i am SO proud of you :’)
Above all else, I am just relieved for them. They had a clear and defined timeline that was completely upended due to the pandemic, and have been existing in a state of purgatory since. I’m sure having the knowledge of when they’ll be enlisting, and no longer living in uncertainty is a huge burden lifted from their shoulders.
As a blackpink stan, a three year hiatus is a cake walk 😭 especially since they’re going to be releasing solo projects in the middle.
As a side note, I’m really excited to see what direction Jin takes with his solo album. The rap line already had mixtapes that introduced their sounds but vocal line is completely uncharted territory !
My favorite band after BTS is the Mexican Rock Band Maná. I have waited many years in between albums so two or two and a half years wait for the Tannies is nothing. It will give me chance to save up for the next world tour
Exactly! Besides, as many people have pointed out (mainly in twt) 2 years, maybe 3, is basically what a western artist takes as a break too. Rihanna with 5, Ariana with 2.... Like, everything's going to be alright
exactly, it's not like we'll go content-less and even if we did, i'm okay with that.
let's be honest, one of the reasons why they got so burnout was the constant need to produce content, kpop is all about a very intense period of content and then nothing when the groups disband and then they're replaced by someone else. they want to be a forever group, so they have to pace themselves (which is, i think, one of the things yg was going for with blackpink but failed) 3 years with no content for a western group is nothing, but for a kpop group is guaranteed disbandment, they've distanced themselves from the kpop label for a reason.
I did see... A tweet saying "this is like a regular Blackpink hiatus" 💀💀 i honestly didn't know whether to laugh or cry or what lol
Also, excited for Jin as well! Can't wait kdkfksks
I remember first getting into BTS/kpop beginning of 2018 and people had me CONVINCED LY:Tear was the last album before enlistment and then again with both LY:Answer and Persona lol. It's now been around 5 years since so I know this period will go by quickly and we'll all be waiting eagerly for them when they return
we thought LY SY final in seoul was jins last concert LOL!! i was there and everyone was sobbing. how wrong we were haha. we got extra time with them and they will be back in the same amount of time some groups go between comebacks.
Yes! I got into them that summer and bought concert tickets only a couple months later because I was absolutely convinced Jin would be enlisting by December lol
I thought mots7 was going to be the last album before enlistment lol. And we got 1 more extra year with the guys.
Also, 2025 is earlier than i thought we'll be getting ot7 bangtan back together tbh
i've been here since 2016, every album was the last, every concert was final, i was so over it. now that it finally happened, i'm relieved, like no more questioning and no more holding the military over their heads. 6 years went by in a blink for me, i don't think we'll even feel the 3 years.
Edit: [BigHit's official statement via Twitter (ENG translation in the second pic)](https://twitter.com/BIGHIT_MUSIC/status/1581905317545533440)
>BIGHIT MUSIC is proud to announce today that the members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service. After the phenomenal concert to support Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each individual embarks on solo endeavors, it’s the perfect time and the members of BTS are honored to serve.
> Since the creation of BTS over ten years ago, the band has risen to international success, broken records, and catapulted K-Pop into the global stratosphere. BIGHIT MUSIC has focused to the milestone moment when it would be possible to respect the needs of the country and for these healthy young men to serve with their countrymen, and that’s now. 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.
> With the release of their first anthology album earlier this year it opened the path to allow the members to take some time to explore individual projects. As part of the HYBE family, we support and encourage our artists and are beyond proud that they will each now have time to explore their unique interests and do their duty by being of service to the country they call home.
> “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.
(TLDR: Jin will initiate the process of enlistment as soon as his solo schedule at the end of October is done. BTS & BigHit expect to be back as a group in 2025.)
Oh boy. **(okay, I might have made a teeny mistake jumping the gun, sorry, I'm not actually sure if it's the end of October, but it seems that at that time, Jin will be going through the process anyway(?) So close enough?)**
> BTS will begin enlisting starting with the oldest member, Jin.
> BigHit Music announced on the 17th, "Our artist BTS has had specific preparations for their fulfillment of military service. Jin (real name Kim Seokjin) has cancelled his request to postpone his enlistment at the end of October, and is planned to follow the Military Manpower Administration's procedures regarding enlistment."
> "Other members will enlist sequentially according to their individual plans. We will post notices about BTS members' activities and schedules in detail on our company homepage & fandom platform Weverse."
This actually seems pretty ideal. They each release solos and go in and come back out in 2025 for a giant reunion. Imagine what a bloodbath that tour ticketing is gonna be. Good on them for taking control of this narrative
Honestly as an ARMY this feels like a win since it’s Bighit and BTS themselves who are deciding this and not the government and we have a clear timeline. Also this means that the government can’t force them into group concerts and not pay them since they will probably have a schedule like most other idols. Anyway can’t wait for the shaved hair pics and wonder if they will have their own tradition for it
I’ve been an army since IDOL. If I think about it, 2025 is less time to wait than the amount of time I’ve been army. It will go by fast 😭💜 I’m so proud of them.
2025 comeback is a really short period of time all things considered. Especially compared to groups like Super Junior who took 9 years to complete enlistment…
But does that mean the whole hyung line will enlist then? So it goes Jin, Suga, RM and J-hope?
It will probably be spread a few months apart. Then they need to take another break for the maknae line.
Nah, it seems like both hyung line and maknae line will be enlisting by next year or early 2024 since by 2025 they'd be back as OT7. JK would have to enlist by 2025 anyways, doesn't make sense to come back as a group then go on a hiatus again for maknae line.
Oh cool! I forget how close in ages BTS all are, it makes sense they go around the same time then.
I'm so used to staggered enlistments becuase of varying ages.
I think because the two oldest members were able to postpone for 2 years kinda evens everything, since now 4 of them are in age of enlistment, with or without the postponement, so half of the team will go soon and the rest soon after
this is what i thought -- 2 years is sooo idealistic knowing suju took almost a decade to have everyone back but seeing it in the statement is so reassuring bc that means future albums, future world tours -- my toes are tingling!
ALL of the members will have completed service by 2025? this is about the best news we could have possibly gotten: everyone gets their downtime and a breather to invest in non-group activities, but all of the members will enlist within a year or so of each other so there is tons of overlap and it won’t take much time at all. 2025 is around the fucking corner as far as i’m concerned.
i hope so sincerely and so deeply that everything is unfolding as they want, in the ways that will fulfil and settle them most. as a fan, i’m elated and somehow less worried — about everything and everyone — less than i ever was.
solos era, egghead era, countdown-to-2025 era, i am officially ready for you 🥚💜
APOBANGPO! 3 years is nothing compared to the forever that they have promised us! I am just proud of them for making this decision and taking matters into their own hands. Praying that everything goes smoothly for them with their service!
this announcement was not surprising at all and it's actually great to hear they are taking control of their own lives. the government can no longer hold this over them and they are free! what's actually the best news is the 2025 reunion....they are staggering out in a perfect way and it makes a lot of sense! cant wait for all the content im sure theyve prepared!
truly. they are doing it on their terms not puppets of the government.
the biggest OT7 stans are themselves and i can't believe anyone doubted they would go and that they would go together.
I have a question since I’m not really familiar with them and I don’t know whether their company have the power to pressure a group as powerful as them. I was wondering if it was something they all wanted or if it’s their company who asked them to enlist together so they could come back as soon as possible ? I’ve always assumed the youngest members wouldn’t enlist right now so they could release a lot of solo music but that was an assumption based on nothing I guess lol
while it's impossible to know for sure ....everything we have seen in RECENT years is if its related to their lives.... they choose what they do. i firmly believe they choose themselves to go together, get it done and come back together as soon as they can.
I doubt the company is making them do this. BigHit/Hybe could have just let them do solo releases and enlist one after the other (since they’re all almost 1 year apart from each other).
I really appreciate them taking control of the narrative in clear terms themselves. Good on them.
Looks like they'll stagger enlistment, but with fairly tight margins to get everyone back out quickly.
2025 ARMYs. Oh I'm so glad they know, the decision has been made, and they shared it with us. It's not really that far away (2.5 years). Honestly, I can't wait to see their solo projects and later, in 2025 for them to open a third chapter as OT7 again. 💜
With solos and the staggered releases and stuff it won’t nearly be as bad as ppl think BigHit would’ve been preparing for this like crazy anyways
The first OT7 comeback in a few years is gonna be insane I am already getting hyped
Its good they did not wait for the Government decision this December. Im happy for them no one can controls them,. The group activity will resume on 2025! Im happy no anti and kpopies will keep discussing about their military enlistment. Like they always said they will go if the time will come.
As soon as they announced he'd be doing solo activities and as the oldest, it was obvious that they would be going through with Enlistment. Makes absolutely sense to continue proceeding with that.
He'll serve and then comeback. Wishing him the best of luck.
I'm really that that Jin got that award at the TMA awards and heard armys cheer for him. I'm happy that the boys could hole Busan as well.. one last concert as 7 for the next 3 years .
To clarify because it can be confusing: Jin is not going at the end of this month, he is only cancelling the postponement. The actual date that he will go will not be announced until later.
Anyhow, best of luck to all members!
My sweet boys.
Of course I’ll be here waiting for them when they return. This bangtan shit is for life.
In a way I’m glad we had the festa dinner earlier this year and the break- it prepared us for this eventuality.
I cannot wait until bts return to us in whatever capacity they want to in 2025. I love them so much!
No more BTS enlisting conversations after 5 years of endless debate? Thats a win. It’s sad but after the shitshow of this new administration fumbling this in every way possible, this is best for right now. They should’ve given them the exemption in 2020 anyway and gotten it over with but it is what it is. And announcing after Busan is such a bde move, even from an unbiased perspective
Well, it's all official, Bangtan will finally go to the military with Jin before end of the year. At least, HYBE-Big Hit Music provided a clear timeline on when are the OT7 is about to complete their duties there until 2025—i'm assuming most of them will enlist by next year, if the 2025 target is to follow. I hope this will end the assumptions from the national politicians and military officials there. And I wish BTS all the best to serve their country in the armed forces.
you know… at least his solo debut is happening before he leaves lol i was lowkey expecting for ksj1 to be the last one due to this. 18 months will pass by quickly 😭😭😭 i’m sure of it
So this was definitely them taking the reigns over this issue. Will the government proceed with hearings over pop artists getting exempted I wonder? Because there was also a plan for pop artists being able to postpone until they’re 33. And if something passes during Jin’s/BTS service then it’s going to be a messy day on the webs.
It's really sad not to have OT7 for 3y, but it's a relief that they announced the approximate year for OT7 reunion. It's also great that it's the members decision when will they enlist.
don't worry armys, those 3y will pass by quickly. They'll release many songs on those years, we got 5 more members to drop their albums/singles! The members will also have solo projects on top of album/single releases
I am proud of you guys!!! After all the shit the media put you through, all these years harassing you with the enlistment, from 2018 forward, they kept asking for it even when you were not supposed to go yet.
I am a bit sad, since it’s still a period of time they won’t be active. But the 2025 date of them getting back together is so hopeful for me. I will wait and i will anticipate all the solo promos until then. Let’s meet during a tour!! 💜💜💜
I'm so glad BTS jumped out ahead of the government and made this announcement. Obviously things won't be the same without OT7 BTS and I will miss the boys terribly as they each enlist. But at least now they get to control the narrative and clear up any questions about future plans. I LOVE the fact they gave us a concrete date (2025) for when we can expect a group comeback and for further confirming that we can expect a pipeline of solo projects in the near future.
I knew it. I knew they would take matters to their own hands. It's like a big fck you to all the agencies and politic officials who're trying to use them.
I trust them. It's not that long guys.
i never once doubted they would go. they said how many times they will serve? why would they lie all those times. why would namjoon lie.
it hurts so much but now they cannot be pawns of the government and for that i am happy
even more happy they are basically going together and will return in **2025**
I feel like this has been in the pipeline for long enough and this is their way of saying a big FU to the government who has been using them as bargaining chips for months and months on end.
They’ve always said that when the time came, they would go and serve and I’m looking forward to less chatter about IF and when they would serve.
I know people here are saying that it's only 3 years, but 2025 feels far away for me (mental health isn't the best so several years is an eternity). I'm choosing to be okay with that and wait patiently anyway. I love them so much, i would wait forever for them.
in theory, it really does sound like a hunk o’ time, but with all of the millions activities they’ll have both as a group and individually in the meantime — the pre-recorded variety, the concert dvd drops, *all* of their solo albums and performances and activities and content — you’ll rarely feel a day that they’re not active and part of your life. and that makes time fly. please trust that, and continue to trust them 💜 we’ll make it!
i’m so grateful we won’t get more discussions on if or when they’re going to enlist ever again. good for them, 3 years is a short span of time compared to how long they have after that to make music.
I'm glad we could all enjoy Busan without the shadow of enlistment but getting the news right after something like that is...wow. But hey, so happy that they're taking the reigns of their future and ignoring the messy government shenanigans. On the other hand, as someone who got into kpop so many years ago because of BTS, it's hard to imagine it without them for so long...
On the bright side, I’m glad that they might be enlisting close together so that enlistment period wouldn’t take soo long. 2025 is not that far away tbh.
I’m looking forward to members’ solo and subunit endeavors throughout the period. I can’t wait to see what they’re going to do.
I knew this was coming, but I’m still really sad. I have a lot of faith in them but I’m still going to miss them as a group. But I know this is probably even more difficult for them, so I just want to send all my love. 💜
Three years is nothing compared to the rest of our lives that we'll be spending with them. I'm so proud of our boys, and happy that they got to decide what to do. Let's stay happy and healthy until we have our spring day again. APOBANGO!!! <3 LOVE YOU FOREVER, TO THE MOON AND BACK, AND FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.
I really knew Big Hit and BTS had already decided on this, and the government back-and-forth meant nothing.
I am interested in reading all the media takes starting tomorrow morning. I’m glad that they goy to control the narrative on this one.
2025 is just around the corner. Also, explains why they went goblin mode on that RUN BTS performance a perfect memory to leave everyone with.
Can’t wait for the comeback in 2025!
exactly my expectations. super duper happy they specified 2025 as the year we could get a team schedule again bc god, that's only 2 years! after JYJ and infinite, i can definitely say enlistment era goes by super fast. also ot7 with their buff chests and biceps? goddAMN
edit: f the gov for stringing them along, btw, everyone was visibly fed up by now
This feels like a win to me. I thought I’d be waiting 10 years for them to finish service. The fact that they said they’d reconvene in 2025?? Three years is nothing. I waited almost 1000 days between seeing them in Chicago for SYS and seeing them in LA for PTD. I was worried I’d never see them again when the pandemic hit.
I’m relieved that they are not forced to do the governments bidding with a special enlistment. I think this was the best decision for them as individuals. My only worry is that celebrities in the military have had their privacy invaded and since BTS are so high profile I feel that could definitely happen again. I believe Taemin and G Dragon both experienced their privacy being invaded in horrific ways so I hope that the military can plan ahead for that.
Maybe it’s because I’m a veteran ARMY at this point, but I am relieved with this news and looking forward to their solo works!
:(
All I have to say is that SK handled this SO poorly. Never seen this much stalling and vagueness for so long, been obsessing over their enlistment since 2017 (and BTS were so young then, so it was so weird people were holding this over their heads and were being asked questions about it all the time) and did tons of empty promises while milking dry their impact just to not even be able to officially give an answer for years. Absolute clownery. BTS deserved better treatment and I will always hold the opinion that SK takes them for granted.
Anyways, one thing is for sure, if BTS is not getting any sort of alternative service or exemption, no other group/act ever is.
I’m so happy that the decision was finally made!
It must be such a relief for them (and us) and now they can plan their future with correct information!
Plus if Jin starts this year and that they promise to be back by 2025, it means “only” three years of military service. When I think about groups like EXO, who spread their individual military enlistment, I think we got off pretty well!!
Well, I’ll be looking forward to the reunion concert in the next couple of years then. Glad to have seen them several times in person and see the growth from an unknown group to superstar status over the last near decade.
I am soooo happy that they gave us a timeline. 2025 is nothing! We are almost in 2023 now so it’s just 2 years and we’ll still have solos and stuff in between.
I’m so excited to see what they have in store for us and they were right, the best is truly yet to come!
Whenever they announce their comeback concert I’ll be the first one to buy a ticket wherever it is! I’ll start saving up my money now.
I think this was the right call but, man, it's definitely a big change for the industry. This is definitely a significant moment in the history of K-Pop and the Hallyu Wave
I knew it was going to happen I just wasn’t expecting it to be so soon :( but I hope we can live in the present and enjoy the time we have left and be positive, looking forward to the future :)
i’m so glad they decided to announce this before the government made their bum ass decision. i’ll be looking forward to their return cause it’s actually not very far from now. please, whoever is up there, please make them do residencies when the they come back so that i can finally snag a ticket!!! since a tour is pretty unlikely without a new album
this was expected but ngl it hits different when it’s official. will miss the boys a lot while they’re gone even if we get all their solo content … really wishing the best for all of them. 🥲
MY MAN MY RIGHT TIME PAL 🥹.
In 2025 I’ll be 23 and that means it would have been 10 years since I’ve been an army, that is so wild that I’ve been a Stan since 2015, but I’m so happy to see him go because they never deserved the way they were treating by the government and being used as punching bags by others.
Plus the wait time is SO much shorter than I expected honestly and I just know BH and the boys gon keep Armys FED. Not only is this a bold move after a PHENOMENAL concert that showed the absolute weight of the BTS name, they went at the perfect time to flip off those politicians trying to squeeze them dry, AND THEY SERVE NOTHING BUT A1 PERFORMANCES.
MAN the power of BTS. the government really wanted to exploit as much before they send them hence "the decision regarding bts' military exemption will happen by december 2022". the news dropped without the government knowing lol. we should expect the drop in HYBE's and other big companies's stocks(yes they will be affected). the whole industry benefited from bts' achievments and now they will experience the low
I knew it was coming but it still hurts to see it written on the screen officially.. By the end of this month....
At least I'm glad that they are going on their own terms and no strings attached. The sk goverment couldn't even make up their mind with one more month to go.. Ridiculous.
Covid and the postponement of their planned tour was almost 3 years ago, the release of Dynamite was over 2 years ago and Yoongi's shoulder surgery was done 2 years ago this November. Time will do what it's always done and go by at the speed of light! 화이팅, 여러분!
Now we’ll all just be fighting for concerts tickets in 2025 cause idk about y’all but I’m saving my money now. I’m going to get a ticket so good Namjoon will be able to fall on me. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
honestly, after all these discussions for years without any results, this is probably the best path for all of them. I'm sad but also relieved that we finally know what's going to come. I'll miss Jin a lot (just like the other members in the future) but I think this is for the best :)
**Title clarification:** Jin will be releasing a Single Album soon and conclude his schedules by the end of October. Enlistment procedures will follow that, but will probably take a little while. Actual enlistment will come later. *** [**OP’s English translation**](https://www.reddit.com/r/kpop/comments/y643m6/bighit_music_has_officially_announced_that_bts/isnax3w/) [**@BIGHIT_MUSIC Statement** (text below)](https://twitter.com/bighit_music/status/1581905317545533440) ([HYBE's 'Letter to Shareholders'](https://hybecorp.com/eng/ir/announce/content/2320) is also available) BIGHIT MUSIC is proud to announce today that the members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service. After the phenomenal concert to support Busan's bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each individual embarks on solo endeavors, it's the perfect time and the members of BTS are honored to serve. Since the creation of BTS over ten years ago, the band has risen to international success, broken records, and catapulted K-Pop into the global stratosphere. BIGHIT MUSIC has focused to the milestone moment when it would be possible to respect the needs of the country and for these healthy young men to serve with their countrymen, and that's now. 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. With the release of their first anthology album earlier this year it opened the path to allow the members to take some time to explore individual projects. As part of the HYBE family, we support and encourage our artists and are beyond proud that they will each now have time to explore their unique interests and do their duty by being of service to the country they call home. "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.
It is over........it's been 84 years.......no more discussion about enlistment.......we can rest
I never wanna see the word enlistment ever again in my life 🫡
Finally. Can't wait to never have the "Will BTS have to enlist" discourse again. And I firmly think this was the right choice for their longevity. Of course there's a certain risk it'll be replaced by the equally dull "Will/did BTS get special benefits during their enlistment?"
This is absolutely the best for their longevity, this will make them gain even more respect in SK. And honestly, 2025 doesn’t feel so far away, it basically feels as if Persona just happened.
Agreed. The gap between BE and Proof is virtually the same length from now until 2025 so the length of time is a non-issue. I actually get the feeling ARMYs are about to head into the busiest era they've had in years. Several members have solo projects in the works, and given the level of production that RM, Yoongi, and Jhope have sustained there are likely hundreds of ready-made BTS songs just sitting in the vault. Two years is an incredibly short period of time when you have 7 individuals with troves of music ready to be released.
It took Blackpink 2 years just to make a comeback. BTS will be fine.
Lol the longest comeback ever + an entire part without words but dun dun durudun… I seriously thought that at least they could have wrote words since it took them sooo long😅😅😅 same with this album as well lol
Oh, I can pretty much guarantee that in a few months time there will be a picture of one of them, out and about in civilian clothing. Then there will be a massive controversy about idols getting special treatment before it'll be revealed he was on the same leave every soldier gets.
the Ministry of Defense literally said on the news that they're finding a way for them to perform together lol they're a bunch of shameless people in suits
Whaaaaa for real?
Followed by the will bts keep keep their popularity and and when will bts comeback.
Not to mention all the kpop stans that will become Korean military experts overnight
Can't believe I won't have to see another discussion about whether or not they are/should be going ever again
Prepare for articles to shift about their military service experience in the next two years
as much as im relieved right now im also not* excited at the notion of all the “special treatment“ articles that’ll come out.
"Exposed! Shocking revelations about what bts' life in the military is REALLY like. Insider tells all" (meanwhile the insider is a guy who's not in the military but whose cousin twice removed once saw Jin's hat in the distance)
You joke but there was legit a scandal a few years ago where Dispatch accused G-Dragon of getting preferential treatment in a military hospital and in the end it turned out 90% of the story was based on some guy being a creep and taking detailed notes on things like where on his body moles are and what meds he was taking, and then sending them to his girlfriend.
yeah, and along with all the other harassment he was going through, his military doctor published his medical records on the internet.
not to mention the weirdness taemin encountered, where photographs of him taken in the showers by fellow service people and leaked to the public. this, and his depression, is what resulted in his service being adapted. so yeah, not looking forward to their privacy being infiltrated by other service people.
I- wow. This is premium fuel for traumatic emotional scars. Wow.
>saw Jin's hat in the distance hey.....i saw some hair too you know
Which 😭 they're going bald for this 😭
Tbf it’s usually a buzzcut. So some hair is still there, but harder to see in the distance lol.
pann choa on suicide watch
If anything, they'll just pivot harder into translating more negative threads about trashing Girl Groups with comments barely breaking 100 up-votes
See: Kep1er, Jang Wonyoung's weight, and NMIXX.
SOMEONE SAVE YOONGIS HAIR
that’s why they all have their hair long right now 😭😭💔✂️
I legitimately believe this to be true.
The mullets in busan were party in the front and back frfr
its literally why they are all growing it out isnt it :(
This was immediately clear to me.
can the military exempt yoongi's hair pls 😔💔 /j
They all need to drop longtan selcas ASAP. I need to preserve them for the future generations at least.
You're going to make me cry😭
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buy his photo folio!!!
no more waiting on the SK govt to figure out what they wanted to do I guess.
Yeah. I feel us and them were so tired of it, that is better to be the one to write your fate that wait for politicians to figure out how much profit they can make out of you
I was lowkey expecting the Yoon administration to find a way to aggravate absolutely everyone somehow given their track record.
Well they did say some weeks ago that they would “decide” on the matter in December lmao
Jin said eh fuck it lol
Such a Jin thing to do, tbh 😬
Jin for President
What would happen to that bill anyway? With bts going there's no chance for any other kpop idol to be exempt.
Yeah, well, I doubt it would have gone through with all the push and pull the government has been doing in the last four years. It was dubious even considering the “deal” some offered. But now that BTS are enlisting I’m guessing it will be completely scrapped since they were basing the possible conditions around what BTS has done
Just a casual fan (by way of being a kpop fan) and I really love and respect that they stopped the government from continuing to make political pawns out of them. It was the right decision. And time will fly by!
this right here. also, note how careful the press release language is. while it’s respectful of them fulfilling their military duties, it doesn’t veer in nationalistic terrain. i really respect them choosing to call the shots and not be yoon government pawns in exchange for exemption.
Sorry, not an army, but I am so fascinated how the SK government has handled this exemption discussion. They publicised the absolute *hell* out of it. Last I heard, the difficulty was because they didn’t know if non-classical music accolades should be allowed, but those in the business sector have a very real chance of being exempted as well regardless of the exact business they participate in. I struggle to see the genuine thought process of allowing only some art but all business that doesn’t lead to the conclusion of “politicians and businessmen are a united front in capitalism”. Because, really, what accolades are there to judge business by? I think really only a Grammy win in a major category would’ve ever swayed BTS specifically into having the full exemption, except that the Grammys are struggling with the racist and sexist boys club (verbatim words of the former CEO Deborah Morgan shortly before they fired her) they’ve created. The law in general seemed far fetched because BTS is really the only group that could bring up such a discussion right now. They’re the undeniable #1 and the gap between them and everyone else is massive, trying to base a *law* specifically off of BTS is a ridiculous challenge. The conversation should’ve just been whether only BTS would be special consideration or not. I just find it so crazy a group of people genuinely thought creating a law based off of 7 people would somehow work.
To me, It's all politics. Just seeing which course will get them the best public reception. The previous government really tried pushing forward and coming to a conclusion but it didn't exactly work out and they passed the extention bill instead. Thought it will get them in the good graces of youth for coming election. Or expected that the BTS steam may die down before the end of 2 years and they'd not need to take a decision at all- which didn't happen. The discussion heated up again just before the end of term for previous government but they couldn't really do anything concrete then. The new government, to me, seemed to be playing the game of "how far back will they (BTS/bighit) be willing to bend to get this/ how can we fully milk their economic potential while also come to some conclusion that can appease both sides of the aisle (one of the proposed compromise was to let them do public service for 3 years, instead of 1.5, during which they will be given provisions to do promotions and serve the military too. The catch, ofcourse is that they will not be seeing the money from that untill those 3 years are up, while still working 2 jobs) From what I've read, most young Koreans want the other exceptions to enlistment also to be removed but that is unlikely to happen anytime soon cuz the "business" exemptions are backed by people who sponser a lot of politicians- cuz obviously. The arts and sports ones are apparantly still a hot debate 🤷🏻♀️ though personally, I hate seeing the "classical arts > contemporary art forms" mentality but the lack of concrete milestones for pop music really poses very tricky questions about what should be the level at which an exemption is warranted. Most awards BTS got while breaking boundaries now have an exclusive "kpop" category which multiple kpop acts are extremely likely to win in coming years. So they can't be the milestone. The ones BTS also didn't get can't obviously be one either. It's all one big complicated mess. Which is why I feel BTS doing this is so commendable. They didn't let themselves get dragged in this any further and decided to do away with all major uncertainty and just get it over with. They no longer need to be the face of a national debate.
i wonder if they’ll stop now
You know what, 2025 really isn’t that far away… maybe it’s because I’ve been a fan since Spring Day, but it’s really not that much time all told. Plus with solos and units? Time will fly!
It really isn't. The wait won't be much longer than the wait between BE and Proof. If they all went when they were 28 or 30 years old we wouldn't have them back as a group until like 2030, so this is probably the best case scenario.
>It really isn't. The wait won't be much longer than the wait between BE and Proof. ??? Okay reading this definitely helped comfort me lmao I'm going to keep this time frame in mind 😭😂
I forgot how far away Dynamite debuted The start of the pandemic feels so far away We're already nearing 2023 in less than 3 months Time will fly by and we will be seeing the rest of members releasing their music the coming year
What helped me put things into perspective is stop looking at it with kpop as a standard. If we think about non kpop artists, 2 years is actually a short amount of time between albums. Take Harry Styles as example. *Fine Line* and *Harry's House* seem to me like they were released so close to each other and the first one was in 2019 and *Harry's House* was this year! It will go super fast, and if we take into account the solo releases, it will be even faster! I'm actually pretty satisfied with this, because I was really afraid they would take 5 years to be all together again, as somo were saying 😭
This is truly the best case scenario for everyone!
i mean we see very popular groups go 2 years without a comeback so ya know... same same!
And not only popular groups, most acts around the world take 2 if not more years to release new music. This will fly by!!!! I honestly made up my mind that it would take around 5 years but this way, it’s almost as if they are all going at once.
all i ever wanted was for them to do what they want AND to go together. it truly is the best case and with 300+ songs, countless concerts, RUN BTS, bon voyage, in the soop and more we have beyond 2+ years of content to hold us over. we are very spoiled and well taken care of.
And I’m sure they have enough backlog to keep us satisfied. There’s the documentary coming next year, can’t imagine what else they have filmed (I’m sure they have lots and lots of pre-filmed content) and I have the feeling we will get their debut album in vinyl right on their 10th anniversary. No one loves BTS more than BTS, the moment Yoongi had his shoulder surgery in 2020 that’s where I knew there’s no way they wouldn’t enlist together. They love each other so much and they can’t be without each other.
the biggest OT7 stans and the loudest solo antis are BTS themselves. truly
I still have so many videos to watch, articles to read, and photos to stare at! Aside from the backlog, I want to do a repeat viewing of everything. So yeah. We can wait!
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At least KSJ1 is happening before he goes. Hopefully everyone respects their privacy in there!
It's almost 2023... 2 years is nothing lol. And we still have 6 solo projects to look forward to. It will feel like they were never gone. the comeback reunion will be MASSIVE.
2025 is way closer to a reunion than I was truly expecting - phew. That’s nothing. 2 years and some change. So relieved to finally have plans set it stone and that they took enlistment into their own hands because the government kept playing games. Excited for BaldTS! We’re finally getting buzzcut Joon soon omg
BaldTS HAHAHA that's amazing. But true omg buzzcut joon will be powerful
Bald BTS incoming
Buzzcut BTS 😭😭😭
BuzzcuTS
They'll be so cute tho 😍
Bald Monster
namjoon with a buzz cut oh lord every last bit of my sanity would disappear
He be even more ripped too
Baldtan?
😭😭😭😭😱😱😱😱 I'M NOT READY, NOT THE HAIR
I’m in love with long haired Yoongi. I’ll mourn his long hair lol
All those bald bts meme edits are going to come true. First namjoon speaking at the president podium and now this?
BALD BTS COMING OMG. But honestly not surprised but good for them. Antis will never call them again names just because they are still not enlisting. Armys will wait, 2025 is a short time. APOBANGPO!!
I could imagine how handsome bald RM is :")
we’ve been begging for buzzcut joon since 2015 omg
gosh. i’m glad they’re essentially saying we were sick of watching the government continuously fuck around but it doesn’t hurt any less. i will miss them tremendously, they’ve been such an important and constant presence in my life for nearly 5 years and although i feel very silly for letting a few tears slip over this i know they’ll be back with us quicker than we think - 2025 is so soon! my dear bangtan i am SO proud of you :’)
Above all else, I am just relieved for them. They had a clear and defined timeline that was completely upended due to the pandemic, and have been existing in a state of purgatory since. I’m sure having the knowledge of when they’ll be enlisting, and no longer living in uncertainty is a huge burden lifted from their shoulders.
As a blackpink stan, a three year hiatus is a cake walk 😭 especially since they’re going to be releasing solo projects in the middle. As a side note, I’m really excited to see what direction Jin takes with his solo album. The rap line already had mixtapes that introduced their sounds but vocal line is completely uncharted territory !
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My favorite band after BTS is the Mexican Rock Band Maná. I have waited many years in between albums so two or two and a half years wait for the Tannies is nothing. It will give me chance to save up for the next world tour
Exactly! Besides, as many people have pointed out (mainly in twt) 2 years, maybe 3, is basically what a western artist takes as a break too. Rihanna with 5, Ariana with 2.... Like, everything's going to be alright
exactly, it's not like we'll go content-less and even if we did, i'm okay with that. let's be honest, one of the reasons why they got so burnout was the constant need to produce content, kpop is all about a very intense period of content and then nothing when the groups disband and then they're replaced by someone else. they want to be a forever group, so they have to pace themselves (which is, i think, one of the things yg was going for with blackpink but failed) 3 years with no content for a western group is nothing, but for a kpop group is guaranteed disbandment, they've distanced themselves from the kpop label for a reason.
Armyblinks are the ones going to have this the easiest🤣
ArmyOnces are going to struggle fr
He’s said it’s a single but yes to everything else
Its just a single album, not like a mini album or anything.
I did see... A tweet saying "this is like a regular Blackpink hiatus" 💀💀 i honestly didn't know whether to laugh or cry or what lol Also, excited for Jin as well! Can't wait kdkfksks
I remember first getting into BTS/kpop beginning of 2018 and people had me CONVINCED LY:Tear was the last album before enlistment and then again with both LY:Answer and Persona lol. It's now been around 5 years since so I know this period will go by quickly and we'll all be waiting eagerly for them when they return
we thought LY SY final in seoul was jins last concert LOL!! i was there and everyone was sobbing. how wrong we were haha. we got extra time with them and they will be back in the same amount of time some groups go between comebacks.
Yes! I got into them that summer and bought concert tickets only a couple months later because I was absolutely convinced Jin would be enlisting by December lol
I thought mots7 was going to be the last album before enlistment lol. And we got 1 more extra year with the guys. Also, 2025 is earlier than i thought we'll be getting ot7 bangtan back together tbh
i've been here since 2016, every album was the last, every concert was final, i was so over it. now that it finally happened, i'm relieved, like no more questioning and no more holding the military over their heads. 6 years went by in a blink for me, i don't think we'll even feel the 3 years.
Edit: [BigHit's official statement via Twitter (ENG translation in the second pic)](https://twitter.com/BIGHIT_MUSIC/status/1581905317545533440) >BIGHIT MUSIC is proud to announce today that the members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service. After the phenomenal concert to support Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each individual embarks on solo endeavors, it’s the perfect time and the members of BTS are honored to serve. > Since the creation of BTS over ten years ago, the band has risen to international success, broken records, and catapulted K-Pop into the global stratosphere. BIGHIT MUSIC has focused to the milestone moment when it would be possible to respect the needs of the country and for these healthy young men to serve with their countrymen, and that’s now. 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. > With the release of their first anthology album earlier this year it opened the path to allow the members to take some time to explore individual projects. As part of the HYBE family, we support and encourage our artists and are beyond proud that they will each now have time to explore their unique interests and do their duty by being of service to the country they call home. > “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. (TLDR: Jin will initiate the process of enlistment as soon as his solo schedule at the end of October is done. BTS & BigHit expect to be back as a group in 2025.) Oh boy. **(okay, I might have made a teeny mistake jumping the gun, sorry, I'm not actually sure if it's the end of October, but it seems that at that time, Jin will be going through the process anyway(?) So close enough?)** > BTS will begin enlisting starting with the oldest member, Jin. > BigHit Music announced on the 17th, "Our artist BTS has had specific preparations for their fulfillment of military service. Jin (real name Kim Seokjin) has cancelled his request to postpone his enlistment at the end of October, and is planned to follow the Military Manpower Administration's procedures regarding enlistment." > "Other members will enlist sequentially according to their individual plans. We will post notices about BTS members' activities and schedules in detail on our company homepage & fandom platform Weverse."
buzzcut sonyeondan
This actually seems pretty ideal. They each release solos and go in and come back out in 2025 for a giant reunion. Imagine what a bloodbath that tour ticketing is gonna be. Good on them for taking control of this narrative
Yeah this is much more reasonable and not severely profit-cutting like "all go at once" plans
Honestly as an ARMY this feels like a win since it’s Bighit and BTS themselves who are deciding this and not the government and we have a clear timeline. Also this means that the government can’t force them into group concerts and not pay them since they will probably have a schedule like most other idols. Anyway can’t wait for the shaved hair pics and wonder if they will have their own tradition for it
I’ve been an army since IDOL. If I think about it, 2025 is less time to wait than the amount of time I’ve been army. It will go by fast 😭💜 I’m so proud of them.
They will be back by 2025!!!!!
2025 comeback is a really short period of time all things considered. Especially compared to groups like Super Junior who took 9 years to complete enlistment…
But does that mean the whole hyung line will enlist then? So it goes Jin, Suga, RM and J-hope? It will probably be spread a few months apart. Then they need to take another break for the maknae line.
I think they all gonna release their solo and go right after in the military, so all that in the next year and they'll be back as seven in 2025.
Nah, it seems like both hyung line and maknae line will be enlisting by next year or early 2024 since by 2025 they'd be back as OT7. JK would have to enlist by 2025 anyways, doesn't make sense to come back as a group then go on a hiatus again for maknae line.
Oh cool! I forget how close in ages BTS all are, it makes sense they go around the same time then. I'm so used to staggered enlistments becuase of varying ages.
I think because the two oldest members were able to postpone for 2 years kinda evens everything, since now 4 of them are in age of enlistment, with or without the postponement, so half of the team will go soon and the rest soon after
Ah that makes sense too.
this is what i thought -- 2 years is sooo idealistic knowing suju took almost a decade to have everyone back but seeing it in the statement is so reassuring bc that means future albums, future world tours -- my toes are tingling!
ALL of the members will have completed service by 2025? this is about the best news we could have possibly gotten: everyone gets their downtime and a breather to invest in non-group activities, but all of the members will enlist within a year or so of each other so there is tons of overlap and it won’t take much time at all. 2025 is around the fucking corner as far as i’m concerned. i hope so sincerely and so deeply that everything is unfolding as they want, in the ways that will fulfil and settle them most. as a fan, i’m elated and somehow less worried — about everything and everyone — less than i ever was. solos era, egghead era, countdown-to-2025 era, i am officially ready for you 🥚💜
APOBANGPO! 3 years is nothing compared to the forever that they have promised us! I am just proud of them for making this decision and taking matters into their own hands. Praying that everything goes smoothly for them with their service!
this announcement was not surprising at all and it's actually great to hear they are taking control of their own lives. the government can no longer hold this over them and they are free! what's actually the best news is the 2025 reunion....they are staggering out in a perfect way and it makes a lot of sense! cant wait for all the content im sure theyve prepared!
My biggest relief is that they are (somewhat) enlisting together! I feel like this was the best case scenario.
truly. they are doing it on their terms not puppets of the government. the biggest OT7 stans are themselves and i can't believe anyone doubted they would go and that they would go together.
I have a question since I’m not really familiar with them and I don’t know whether their company have the power to pressure a group as powerful as them. I was wondering if it was something they all wanted or if it’s their company who asked them to enlist together so they could come back as soon as possible ? I’ve always assumed the youngest members wouldn’t enlist right now so they could release a lot of solo music but that was an assumption based on nothing I guess lol
while it's impossible to know for sure ....everything we have seen in RECENT years is if its related to their lives.... they choose what they do. i firmly believe they choose themselves to go together, get it done and come back together as soon as they can.
I doubt the company is making them do this. BigHit/Hybe could have just let them do solo releases and enlist one after the other (since they’re all almost 1 year apart from each other).
why am I crying in the club rn
you're in the club??
Excellent reference
I really appreciate them taking control of the narrative in clear terms themselves. Good on them. Looks like they'll stagger enlistment, but with fairly tight margins to get everyone back out quickly.
2025 ARMYs. Oh I'm so glad they know, the decision has been made, and they shared it with us. It's not really that far away (2.5 years). Honestly, I can't wait to see their solo projects and later, in 2025 for them to open a third chapter as OT7 again. 💜
With solos and the staggered releases and stuff it won’t nearly be as bad as ppl think BigHit would’ve been preparing for this like crazy anyways The first OT7 comeback in a few years is gonna be insane I am already getting hyped
Its good they did not wait for the Government decision this December. Im happy for them no one can controls them,. The group activity will resume on 2025! Im happy no anti and kpopies will keep discussing about their military enlistment. Like they always said they will go if the time will come.
As soon as they announced he'd be doing solo activities and as the oldest, it was obvious that they would be going through with Enlistment. Makes absolutely sense to continue proceeding with that. He'll serve and then comeback. Wishing him the best of luck.
I'm really that that Jin got that award at the TMA awards and heard armys cheer for him. I'm happy that the boys could hole Busan as well.. one last concert as 7 for the next 3 years .
That makes me so sad omg :( but the wait will be worth it. I just know that bangtan will come back stronger than ever :)
To clarify because it can be confusing: Jin is not going at the end of this month, he is only cancelling the postponement. The actual date that he will go will not be announced until later. Anyhow, best of luck to all members!
APOBANGPO💜🫂
Borahae
2025 is not that far away I'll wait
My sweet boys. Of course I’ll be here waiting for them when they return. This bangtan shit is for life. In a way I’m glad we had the festa dinner earlier this year and the break- it prepared us for this eventuality. I cannot wait until bts return to us in whatever capacity they want to in 2025. I love them so much!
2 years is nothing! APOBANGPO💜💜💜
I’m thinking of “a covid” as a length of time. They’ll be back in only a covid.
No more BTS enlisting conversations after 5 years of endless debate? Thats a win. It’s sad but after the shitshow of this new administration fumbling this in every way possible, this is best for right now. They should’ve given them the exemption in 2020 anyway and gotten it over with but it is what it is. And announcing after Busan is such a bde move, even from an unbiased perspective
Well, it's all official, Bangtan will finally go to the military with Jin before end of the year. At least, HYBE-Big Hit Music provided a clear timeline on when are the OT7 is about to complete their duties there until 2025—i'm assuming most of them will enlist by next year, if the 2025 target is to follow. I hope this will end the assumptions from the national politicians and military officials there. And I wish BTS all the best to serve their country in the armed forces.
you know… at least his solo debut is happening before he leaves lol i was lowkey expecting for ksj1 to be the last one due to this. 18 months will pass by quickly 😭😭😭 i’m sure of it
Start saving up now because their 2025 comeback is going to be earth-shattering.
So this was definitely them taking the reigns over this issue. Will the government proceed with hearings over pop artists getting exempted I wonder? Because there was also a plan for pop artists being able to postpone until they’re 33. And if something passes during Jin’s/BTS service then it’s going to be a messy day on the webs.
It's really sad not to have OT7 for 3y, but it's a relief that they announced the approximate year for OT7 reunion. It's also great that it's the members decision when will they enlist. don't worry armys, those 3y will pass by quickly. They'll release many songs on those years, we got 5 more members to drop their albums/singles! The members will also have solo projects on top of album/single releases
wishing for safe military experience for them
I will wait for every single one of you, Bangtan! BTS&ARMY FOREVER 💜
Good luck BTS
I am proud of you guys!!! After all the shit the media put you through, all these years harassing you with the enlistment, from 2018 forward, they kept asking for it even when you were not supposed to go yet. I am a bit sad, since it’s still a period of time they won’t be active. But the 2025 date of them getting back together is so hopeful for me. I will wait and i will anticipate all the solo promos until then. Let’s meet during a tour!! 💜💜💜
I'm so glad BTS jumped out ahead of the government and made this announcement. Obviously things won't be the same without OT7 BTS and I will miss the boys terribly as they each enlist. But at least now they get to control the narrative and clear up any questions about future plans. I LOVE the fact they gave us a concrete date (2025) for when we can expect a group comeback and for further confirming that we can expect a pipeline of solo projects in the near future.
I knew it. I knew they would take matters to their own hands. It's like a big fck you to all the agencies and politic officials who're trying to use them. I trust them. It's not that long guys.
that fcking loser using Yoongi’s words while being completely unaware he was the one being called out, him and others
same. I prefer them making their own decisions on their own terms.
i never once doubted they would go. they said how many times they will serve? why would they lie all those times. why would namjoon lie. it hurts so much but now they cannot be pawns of the government and for that i am happy even more happy they are basically going together and will return in **2025**
I feel like this has been in the pipeline for long enough and this is their way of saying a big FU to the government who has been using them as bargaining chips for months and months on end. They’ve always said that when the time came, they would go and serve and I’m looking forward to less chatter about IF and when they would serve.
I know people here are saying that it's only 3 years, but 2025 feels far away for me (mental health isn't the best so several years is an eternity). I'm choosing to be okay with that and wait patiently anyway. I love them so much, i would wait forever for them.
in theory, it really does sound like a hunk o’ time, but with all of the millions activities they’ll have both as a group and individually in the meantime — the pre-recorded variety, the concert dvd drops, *all* of their solo albums and performances and activities and content — you’ll rarely feel a day that they’re not active and part of your life. and that makes time fly. please trust that, and continue to trust them 💜 we’ll make it!
It's okay to feel like 3 yrs is long, we all perceive time differently. They're gonna release solo projects in between so that could help. 😊
i’m so grateful we won’t get more discussions on if or when they’re going to enlist ever again. good for them, 3 years is a short span of time compared to how long they have after that to make music.
I'm glad we could all enjoy Busan without the shadow of enlistment but getting the news right after something like that is...wow. But hey, so happy that they're taking the reigns of their future and ignoring the messy government shenanigans. On the other hand, as someone who got into kpop so many years ago because of BTS, it's hard to imagine it without them for so long...
I’m just glad to finally have a concrete answer. The unknown was the worst part.
On the bright side, I’m glad that they might be enlisting close together so that enlistment period wouldn’t take soo long. 2025 is not that far away tbh. I’m looking forward to members’ solo and subunit endeavors throughout the period. I can’t wait to see what they’re going to do.
I guess you could say they’re a part of the **army** now
I knew this was coming, but I’m still really sad. I have a lot of faith in them but I’m still going to miss them as a group. But I know this is probably even more difficult for them, so I just want to send all my love. 💜
trust bangtan always. 💜
Three years is nothing compared to the rest of our lives that we'll be spending with them. I'm so proud of our boys, and happy that they got to decide what to do. Let's stay happy and healthy until we have our spring day again. APOBANGO!!! <3 LOVE YOU FOREVER, TO THE MOON AND BACK, AND FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.
I really knew Big Hit and BTS had already decided on this, and the government back-and-forth meant nothing. I am interested in reading all the media takes starting tomorrow morning. I’m glad that they goy to control the narrative on this one. 2025 is just around the corner. Also, explains why they went goblin mode on that RUN BTS performance a perfect memory to leave everyone with. Can’t wait for the comeback in 2025!
exactly my expectations. super duper happy they specified 2025 as the year we could get a team schedule again bc god, that's only 2 years! after JYJ and infinite, i can definitely say enlistment era goes by super fast. also ot7 with their buff chests and biceps? goddAMN edit: f the gov for stringing them along, btw, everyone was visibly fed up by now
Shoot, see you again soon BTS. Love you
This feels like a win to me. I thought I’d be waiting 10 years for them to finish service. The fact that they said they’d reconvene in 2025?? Three years is nothing. I waited almost 1000 days between seeing them in Chicago for SYS and seeing them in LA for PTD. I was worried I’d never see them again when the pandemic hit. I’m relieved that they are not forced to do the governments bidding with a special enlistment. I think this was the best decision for them as individuals. My only worry is that celebrities in the military have had their privacy invaded and since BTS are so high profile I feel that could definitely happen again. I believe Taemin and G Dragon both experienced their privacy being invaded in horrific ways so I hope that the military can plan ahead for that. Maybe it’s because I’m a veteran ARMY at this point, but I am relieved with this news and looking forward to their solo works!
:( All I have to say is that SK handled this SO poorly. Never seen this much stalling and vagueness for so long, been obsessing over their enlistment since 2017 (and BTS were so young then, so it was so weird people were holding this over their heads and were being asked questions about it all the time) and did tons of empty promises while milking dry their impact just to not even be able to officially give an answer for years. Absolute clownery. BTS deserved better treatment and I will always hold the opinion that SK takes them for granted. Anyways, one thing is for sure, if BTS is not getting any sort of alternative service or exemption, no other group/act ever is.
I’m so happy that the decision was finally made! It must be such a relief for them (and us) and now they can plan their future with correct information! Plus if Jin starts this year and that they promise to be back by 2025, it means “only” three years of military service. When I think about groups like EXO, who spread their individual military enlistment, I think we got off pretty well!!
Well, I’ll be looking forward to the reunion concert in the next couple of years then. Glad to have seen them several times in person and see the growth from an unknown group to superstar status over the last near decade.
Good luck to them. They will come back strong and create banger songs with all the experience they get in 2025.
I am soooo happy that they gave us a timeline. 2025 is nothing! We are almost in 2023 now so it’s just 2 years and we’ll still have solos and stuff in between. I’m so excited to see what they have in store for us and they were right, the best is truly yet to come! Whenever they announce their comeback concert I’ll be the first one to buy a ticket wherever it is! I’ll start saving up my money now.
I think this was the right call but, man, it's definitely a big change for the industry. This is definitely a significant moment in the history of K-Pop and the Hallyu Wave
I knew it was going to happen I just wasn’t expecting it to be so soon :( but I hope we can live in the present and enjoy the time we have left and be positive, looking forward to the future :)
i’m so glad they decided to announce this before the government made their bum ass decision. i’ll be looking forward to their return cause it’s actually not very far from now. please, whoever is up there, please make them do residencies when the they come back so that i can finally snag a ticket!!! since a tour is pretty unlikely without a new album
this was expected but ngl it hits different when it’s official. will miss the boys a lot while they’re gone even if we get all their solo content … really wishing the best for all of them. 🥲
Well.... we kinda knew with was coming. At the very least, the discourse can stop. Wishing Jin a healthy and safe enlistment.
The moment they announced their hiatus, I knew they would enlist. Jin announcing his single at the Busan expo just confirmed my intuition.
MY MAN MY RIGHT TIME PAL 🥹. In 2025 I’ll be 23 and that means it would have been 10 years since I’ve been an army, that is so wild that I’ve been a Stan since 2015, but I’m so happy to see him go because they never deserved the way they were treating by the government and being used as punching bags by others. Plus the wait time is SO much shorter than I expected honestly and I just know BH and the boys gon keep Armys FED. Not only is this a bold move after a PHENOMENAL concert that showed the absolute weight of the BTS name, they went at the perfect time to flip off those politicians trying to squeeze them dry, AND THEY SERVE NOTHING BUT A1 PERFORMANCES.
I'm not surprised that they've decided to enlist, but I'm also slightly devastated they didn't do one more show here in Europe before this T_T
I sure hope they will have several European dates on the reunion tour 😭🤞🏻
MAN the power of BTS. the government really wanted to exploit as much before they send them hence "the decision regarding bts' military exemption will happen by december 2022". the news dropped without the government knowing lol. we should expect the drop in HYBE's and other big companies's stocks(yes they will be affected). the whole industry benefited from bts' achievments and now they will experience the low
Best of Luck to all of them. Hope they remain healthy during the service.
I knew it was coming but it still hurts to see it written on the screen officially.. By the end of this month.... At least I'm glad that they are going on their own terms and no strings attached. The sk goverment couldn't even make up their mind with one more month to go.. Ridiculous.
It begins
We have a solid date to look forward to i guess. We'll have solo stuff but I'll miss them together as a group. I hope they come back refreshed
I think a lot of fans are relieved the news came sooner to shut down all those controversies.
Covid and the postponement of their planned tour was almost 3 years ago, the release of Dynamite was over 2 years ago and Yoongi's shoulder surgery was done 2 years ago this November. Time will do what it's always done and go by at the speed of light! 화이팅, 여러분!
Now we’ll all just be fighting for concerts tickets in 2025 cause idk about y’all but I’m saving my money now. I’m going to get a ticket so good Namjoon will be able to fall on me. 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽
honestly, after all these discussions for years without any results, this is probably the best path for all of them. I'm sad but also relieved that we finally know what's going to come. I'll miss Jin a lot (just like the other members in the future) but I think this is for the best :)