BTS’ enlistment plans have finally been revealed, with Jin being the first member to do his mandatory military service on December 13.
According to HYBE, it is expected that it will not be until 2025 before BTS can reunite as a group.
“The members of BTS are currently planning to complete their military service. Jin will begin the process as soon as his solo release schedule has ended at the end of October. The other members of the group plan to do so. perform military service based on their individual plans,” HYBE announced.
“Jin will be enlisting as an active-duty soldier to fulfill his military service… In order to prevent a safety accident due to congestion in the military zone, Jin will enter the campus of the recruit training center when sitting in the car without meeting the media or fans,” the company added.
For many K-pop boy bands, enlistment can mean the end of the group, as being away from the public eye can lead to the group losing popularity. Many groups choose to disband or not renew their contracts instead of trying to regain their reputation.
However, there are some groups that have completed their military service after many years but have made well-received comebacks. Will BTS follow in the footsteps of these groups?
1. Super Junior
As one of SM Entertainment’s most popular boy bands, Super Junior has been on hiatus for 10 years so that all members can fulfill their military service, according to Koreaboo .
In 2019, the group reunited in the Super Show 8 concert and thanked fans for patiently waiting for the group’s comeback. The group is still active to this day, even releasing their 11th album The Road: Keep on Going this past July.
2. 2PM
JYP Entertainment’s 2PM is back in 2021 after a 5 year hiatus and one member Taecyeon left the company. The group released a new album titled Must in 2021, just 100 days after the group’s last member – Junho – was discharged from the army, according to The Korea Herald .
While promotions for the album have ended and the members are focusing on their solo careers and personal lives – Chansung recently got married and became a father, Soompi reports – fans are waiting . waiting for their next return.
3. Big Bang
The previous 5-member group officially ceased activities in 2018 but faced controversy when Seungri was involved in the Burning Sun scandal and was forced to leave the group.
The group is still active when the remaining members complete their military service. The last two members to enlist, Taeyang and Daesung, were officially discharged in November 2019.
Many believed the group would never return but Big Bang surprised fans with the release of their new single Still Life in 2022. Despite little promotion, the single became the group’s anthem. Idol music with the highest debut on Melon 24Hits chart, according to Allkpop .
4. SHINee
Although not all members of SHINee have completed their military service – the youngest member Taemin is still in the army – the group managed to release new music in 2021 after the 3 members completed their service. service.
At the group’s 14th anniversary in May 2022, they announced that they would be making a comeback in 2023, with members Onew, Minho, and Key.