The seven members of the famous South Korean boy band BTS announced today (Monday) that they will enlist in the army.
The decision comes months after Lakka announced they were taking a break as a group to concentrate on solo careers.
While many fans of the K-Pop sensation hoped that the band members would receive special consideration for their contribution to South Korea's economy and international prestige, the band members will serve almost two years in the military like any other civilian.
Jin, the oldest member of the group, will be the first to put on a uniform with the other six members to follow, and the band is expected to reunite around 2025, according to their management company, Big Hit Music.
"Group member Gene will begin the process as soon as his schedule for his solo release ends at the end of October," the band's media statement read.
"Other members of the group plan to do their military service based on their personal plans."
The announcement came just after BTS held their biggest concert yet, in front of over 50,000 people in Busan, South Korea, as part of the city's campaign to host the 2030 Expo.
"This is the last show planned," Kim Suk Jin, the oldest member of the group, said on stage.
"Because I didn't know when we could perform again, so I tried to keep all my feelings here, but we can always do another one and you'll come, right?".
On stage in Busan.
BTS, photo: EPA
All South Korean men under the age of 30 must serve in the military for 18-21 months, a requirement designed to maintain the country's ability to defend itself against a possible attack by North Korea, with which it is still at war.
Several prominent South Koreans have been exempted or allowed to perform alternative public service, including Olympic medalists and award-winning classical musicians and dancers.
Some South Korean lawmakers have expressed support for the exemption, despite concerns that it would invite recriminations, particularly among other young people who have no choice but to serve.
BTS has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and picked up two Grammy nominations en route to topping the US and UK charts.
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