BTS members head for South Korean army service

The remaining 4 members of Okay-pop supergroup BTS will start their 18-month army service in South Korea this week, becoming a member of three others already serving, with followers pledging to attend for them to carry out once more as a bunch till 2025.

A gaggle of followers braved wet climate on Monday to bid a brief farewell to the seven-member band’s chief, RM, and vocalist V in entrance of their boot camp within the central metropolis of Nonsan.

“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,” V wrote on fan platform Weverse on Monday, wishing followers effectively and happiness.

RM additionally wrote that he may be lonely at occasions, however that the 18 months can be an opportunity to get new inspiration and be taught new issues.

The duo had been accompanied by different members of the band, together with Jimin and Jung Kook who will begin their army service on Tuesday, and the three others who got a day without work from army obligation, the Yonhap news company mentioned.

All able-bodied South Korean males ages 18-28 should serve within the army for about two years, as a part of efforts to protect in opposition to nuclear-armed North Korea.

Known as ARMY, BTS’ international fan base of tens of millions of loyal followers has helped the band help social causes. In 2020, supporters raised greater than $1 million for the Black Lives Matter motion in simply 25 hours.

Some ARMY followers gathered at a restaurant in a Tokyo district generally known as Korea Town and vowed to attend for his or her return.

“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,” mentioned Ayami Ito, 22, a nursing care employee.

Since asserting a break from group initiatives in June 2022, BTS members have pursued solo actions earlier than beginning army service.

Jin, 30, the oldest member, joined the military final December, adopted by j-hope in April and Suga in August.

BTS’ international success has triggered debate over whether or not Okay-pop artists must be allowed to serve for a shorter time period, a perk granted to Olympics and Asian Games medallists and a few classical musicians with worldwide achievements.