BTS Member Jin’s Military Enlistment Could Be Delayed Until End Of 2021

BTS’ member Jin’s mandatory military enlistment could be postponed for another year, according to the K-pop group's agency, Big Hit Entertainment.

The company’s registration statement for its initial public offering (IPO) has revealed details about BTS' mandatory military service. In a page detailing the risks of investing in Big Hit Entertainment, the label stated that Jin’s enlistment could be delayed until the end of 2021.

“BTS consists of members born between 1992 and 1997 who are required to enlist as active duty soldiers. It has been assessed that it will be possible for the oldest member Kim Seok Jin (Jin) to delay his enlistment until the end of 2021, based on the military service law,” the statement said, Soompi reported.

Under South Korea’s law, all able-bodied men are required to undergo at least 21 months of mandatory military service. Although a person’s compulsory service in the military comes into effect once he turns 18, it is possible to delay enlistment until the age of 28.

Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok Jin, will turn 28 on Dec. 4 and is the oldest of the septet, whose other members are RM, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook.

Jin previously addressed his military enlistment during a press conference in February for their album, “Map of the Soul: 7.”

When asked about enlisting, the singer said, “I'm ready to serve anytime.”

BTS' management also confirmed that the group's members will fulfill their military duties.

“The company believes military service is a duty,” Bang Si-Hyuk, CEO of Big Hit Entertainment, told The Hollywood Reporter last year. “We will try to show the fans the best of BTS until, and after, the members have fulfilled their service duties.”

Some have lobbied for BTS members to be exempted from military service, saying they have been representing the South Korean entertainment industry on a global platform. However, South Korea's culture minister said the group would have to complete their enlistment

"Unlike classical arts or sports, it is difficult to fix the criteria of the selection in the popular culture and arts fields, which makes it difficult to institutionalize (a waiver system)," Culture Minister Park Yang Woo said, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Currently, only classical musicians and athletes who have brought honor to the country are exempted from military duties.

BTS is one of the most popular bands to come out of South Korea and created history last week for becoming the first Korean pop act to debut at no. 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

BTS has also performed in four major American music award shows — Billboard Music Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and the Grammy Awards — becoming the first South Korean group to do so.