Start of A New Era: BTS Jin Enlists for South Korea’s Mandatory Military Service Today

By Charlene Jose  •  13 Dec 2022 in Pop Culture

Thirsty for JUICE content? Quench your cravings on our Instagram, TikTok and WhatsApp

Today will mark the start of a new era for the global phenomenon, BTS. Of the seven group members, Jin (also known as Kim Seok-Jin) will be the first to enlist in South Korea’s mandatory military service.

While BTS fans, known as ARMY, are heartbroken over the uncertain future of their beloved member, Jin has been letting ARMY see that he is okay.

On December 11, Jin posted a selfie of him with his newly buzzed hair on Weverse. The caption translates to “kekekekekeke cuter than I thought”.

 

jin weverse post

🐹 this is your curtain call

(i wanted to try saying this when i enlist)
(line from the game character ‘jhin’)

t/n this is the translation of the line from the game but a more direct translation would be
‘now it is time for the curtain call’ pic.twitter.com/ePuWP5qbIi

— 윤서⁷ (@btsinthemoment) December 12, 2022

Just this morning, Jin posted on Weverse again to let fans know that he will be enlisting today. 

Today, Jin will begin his five weeks of training. According to Yonhap news agency, Jin is expected to be deployed to a “frontline” unit near the border with North Korea, with which South Korea remains technically at war.

BTS’s label, Big Hit Music, posted on Weverse last week urging fans to stay away from the families-only entrance ceremony. 

“We ask you to keep your heart-warming words of support and farewell in our hearts.”

All able-bodied men in South Korea must serve at least 18 months in the military, so Jin will be expected to finish his military service by June 12, 2024. 

ARMY became emotional on Twitter as they noticed that the day of Jin’s service end date is the day before BTS’ 11th anniversary. 

As RM confirmed in SUGA’s newly-launched drinking talk show, SuChwiTa (Time To Drink With SUGA), the band will reunite in 2025, once all seven members have completed their mandatory military service.