BTS members on Oct. 15 pose for a photo before performing at their "Yet To Come in Busan" concert to promote Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo at Busan Asiad Main Stadium in the port city. (BTS' official Twitter)

By Kim Hayeon 

The seven members of K-pop sensation BTS will fulfill their military service in order, starting with Jin (real name Kim Seok-jin).

The boy band's management agency Big Hit Music on Oct. 17 said in an official statement "The members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service," adding, "Group member Jin will initiate the process as soon as his schedule for his solo release is concluded at the end of October. He will then follow the enlistment procedure of the Korean government."

Born in 1992, Jin, who turns 30 on Dec. 4, postponed his service until late this year under a recommendation to that effect from the minister of culture, sports and tourism under a law revised in 2020.

Withdrawing his delay until age 30, he will report for duty upon receiving his draft notice.

The remaining members RM, Suga, Jimin, J-hope, V and Jungkook will do the same according to their schedules.

Big Hit said, "Other members of the group plan to carry out military service based on their own individual plans."

"Both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment," it added, but said exactly when they will reunite is difficult to predict.

Jin is also slated to release this month a solo track written by the British rock band Coldplay as a gift.


hayeounk8@korea.kr