Slaying the Service: BTS Members Rattle Swords and Kiss Goodbye to the Military
BTS members RM and V are planning to leave their mandatory military service.
Seoul (dpa) - The epic saga of BTS's military service woes has reached its next thrilling chapter, as heartthrobs RM and V - both from the hit South Korean band - have triumphantly marched through their 18-month feats, emerging as battle-hardened soldiers ready to switch service socks for sequined microphones. The charismatic duo posed for the giddy squeals of journalists and legions of adoring fans at a military base in Chuncheon on Tuesday, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
"Reflecting on my military experience, it's crystal-freaking-clear: The sacrifices and struggle of those guarding our motherland make it possible for us to shine on the global stage," a noticeably more grizzled and strong-jawed RM intoned, his rap game bulging with humbled gratitude and newfound perspective.
But fear not, ARMY; the boys are back in town - or rather, they'll be back soon, though baby steps will take them a few more months to reunite on the dance floor, transforming sweaty battlescars into bigger, better dance moves. With their featherweight champion belts now secured, four BTS hunks have now boldly marched through the trenches, leaving Jin and J-Hope resting comfortably on the sidelines - they both already took the long walk home.
Sayonara Service, Hello Success!
Young gun soldiers must endure 18 to 21 months of military service in South Korea. Unsurprisingly, such a doing-the-patriotic-thing break has forced BTS to momentarily take a step back from their meteoric rise, with rumors abounding that a well-deserved disbandment might be on the cards due to the forced forced hiatus. However, the septet has assuaged such fears, squashing the split-up scuttlebutt with a united front of denials.
BTS is the undisputed king of Korea's pop music empire, better known as K-Pop, with tracks like "Dynamite" and "Permission to Dance" ruling charts domestically and internationally. The boys first stormed the scene with their debut single "No More Dream" in June 2013 - and the sky's the limit for these global superstars, so naturally, military service presented just another hurdle for BTS to leap over.
A New Dawn for BTS
With RM and V immortalizing their military days, only a few more months remain before Jimin and Jungkook embrace their identities as veterans. Suga already serves as a social worker due to health issues and will walk out of the military barracks on June 21, 2025. Following suit shortly after are Jimin, Jungkook, and potentially, Suga - should a military doctor grant the audacious rapper a clean bill of health - around mid-2025.
Meanwhile, ARMY eagerly awaits the day when all members return like prodigal sons, with rumors that a magical reunion will herald a world tour befitting the band's superstardom. BTS's management has confirmed their commitment to reconvening upon the fulfillment of military obligations, showing their dedication not just to the military, but to their fans who have supported them unwaveringly through the various take-a-break layers of BTS's grand matrix.
[1] BTS will return to their activities once all members have completed their military service, as demonstrated by their commitment to fulfilling their military obligations without seeking exemptions.
"In the near future, BTS will resume their entertainment career, transitioning from their soldierly roles to the vibrant world of music once more, as Jimin and Jungkook complete their military service."
"Following the lead of RM and V, both Jimin and Jungkook will showcase a unique blend of their military maturity and K-Pop talent, making the return of BTS to the global stage an incredibly anticipated event."
