BTS Jin to Enlist in December: "Please Do Not Visit the Training Center"

Submission of Enlistment Postponement Cancellation Form ... Enlistment at Yeoncheon New Recruit Training Center, Gyeonggi

BTS member Jin. Photo by Big Hit Music

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] Jin (30, Kim Seokjin), a member of the group BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan), is enlisting in the military. According to industry sources on the 24th, Jin is scheduled to enlist at the Army Division Recruit Training Center in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province on the 13th of next month, complete 5 weeks of training, and then be assigned to a unit. Born in 1992 and aged 30, Jin had his enlistment postponed until the end of this year based on the recommendation of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism under the revised Military Service Act of 2020.

Following the emergence of issues related to BTS's special military service exemption, attention focused on whether he would enlist. In response, Jin expressed his intention to enlist after the concert held last month to support the bid for the 2030 Busan World Expo. After completing a performance with the band Coldplay in Argentina and returning to Korea, he submitted a cancellation of his enlistment postponement on the 4th.

Jin became the first member of BTS to enlist. On the afternoon of the same day, Jin posted on the fan community Weverse, saying, "ARMY (BTS fan club), please do not come to the training center," adding, "It could be dangerous due to congestion."

BTS is a seven-member boy group that debuted in June 2013 and has formed a global fandom by winning the Billboard Music Awards for six consecutive years.