K-pop band BTS is taking a hiatus until 2025 to fulfill their mandatory military obligations. The news shocked BTS fans around the globe.
BTS consists of members Jin and Suga, both 29; J-Hope and RM, both 28; Jimin and V, both 26; and the baby of the bunch Jungkook, 25.
The news caused widespread pandemonium on social media blogs dedicated to worshiping the South Korean boy band. Fans were in hysterics in TikTok videos, with some fans suffering heart palpitations.
According to Newsweek, outraged fans plan to boycott K-pop music and merchandise while the band is on hiatus.
The news comes after years of speculation that the government would grant the group an exemption. However, Big Hit Music, which manages BTS, confirmed the group has decided to fulfill their mandatory military obligations.
“BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service,” the music company wrote in a statement. “After the phenomenal concert to support Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each individual embarks on solo endeavors, it’s the perfect time and the members of BTS are honored to serve.”
BTS’s oldest member, Jin, will begin his two-year stint in the military, while the other members — Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook — will follow “based on their own individual plans.” The group plans to return around 2025.
To be honest, I don't want i-army to buy Korean products and consume kpop until our boys finish their military service. I am Korean but I am not a fan of kpop, I am a fan of bts and I am not a fan of the Korean government. They must realize what they have done
— ???? (@KkongGun) October 17, 2022
I will definitely not plan my travel to Korea until the boys are out of enlistment…. but I need my innisfree and the face shop or I will break out nasty ?
— •??•? ?????? ?? ????? (@runBANGTAN67) October 17, 2022
i am gonna stop buying korean products .. sorry but yeah
— || Divya || (@divya_garg10) October 17, 2022
