The four remaining members of the K-pop supergroup BTS are set to commence their 18-month military service in South Korea this week, joining three others who are already in service. Fans have committed to waiting until 2025 for the group to reunite for performances.
Despite the rainy weather on Monday, a dedicated group of fans gathered to bid a temporary farewell to RM, the leader, and V, the vocalist of the seven-member band. The emotional send-off took place in front of their boot camp in the central city of Nonsan.
On Monday, V expressed his sentiments on the fan platform Weverse, stating, "I think I'll be fine except for one thing, that I won't be able to make happy memories with you for a while, which is the hardest part," He extended his well wishes to fans, hoping for their happiness.
In his message, RM acknowledged that there might be moments of loneliness during the 18 months, but also that this period presents an opportunity to find new inspiration and learn new things.
The pair were joined by fellow band members, including Jimin and Jung Kook, who are set to commence their military service on Tuesday. Additionally, the three others were granted a day off from their military duties, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
South Korean men between the ages of 18 and 28, who are physically fit, are required to fulfill approximately two years of military service. This mandate is a measure aimed at safeguarding against the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.
A group of ARMY fans assembled at a café in a Tokyo district referred to as Korea Town, pledging to patiently await the return of the BTS members.
Expressing her emotions, Ayami Ito, a 22-year-old nursing care worker, said, "I feel sad but I think they'll mature more going into the army and come back looking cool so I'm looking forward and want to wait for them."
In Seoul, fans also expressed their sadness.
"It was raining today, and I was a bit depressed," Kim Yong-sun who runs a BTS-themed cafe near the band's agency building.
Wearing a cap and hoodie in the signature BTS colour-purple, she said, "ARMY fans came to the cafe and cheered me up. Talking about the members and listening to music, I feel now much better."
Following the announcement of a hiatus from group projects in June 2022, BTS members have engaged in individual endeavors before embarking on their military service.
The eldest member, Jin, enlisted in the army in December, followed by j-hope in April and Suga in August.
The worldwide success of BTS has sparked discussions regarding whether K-pop artists should be eligible for a shorter military service term, a privilege currently extended to Olympic and Asian Games medalists, as well as certain classical musicians with notable international accomplishments.
