BTS RM Reveals What Jin Told Them During Military Enlistment Send-Off

BTS leader RM has shared details about his final conversation with Jin before his bandmate's military enlistment.

BTS fans, called the A.R.M.Y., bid goodbye to Jin on Dec. 13 when the singer began his mandatory military service in South Korea. He entered a boot camp in Yeoncheon alongside hundreds of recruits. But before enlisting, the 30-year-old reportedly left a heartfelt message to his six BTS bandmates.

On Sunday's broadcast of the evening news program "KBS News 9," RM recalled the emotional send-off he, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V and Jungkook gave Jin on the day of their eldest co-star's enlistment.

"Jin didn't talk much," the rapper said. "I think he had a lot on his mind, and when we went to the [training grounds], he said like the eldest member he is, 'I'll be back safely. I'll let you know how it is after experiencing it first.'"

RM noted that a lot of things have happened to BTS and its members, and Jin's enlistment made him feel that "a chapter has passed."

"It was a moment that had to come, and since it was a moment we waited for, it really felt like we were experiencing the turning of a page in [the life of] BTS," he continued. "I also have a complex mix of feelings, but I'm calm, and I think Jin is doing well at the training center, so I'm waiting [for his return] in a calm and cool manner."

Elsewhere in the interview, RM expressed his gratitude to their fans, who continue to believe in them and support them.

In South Korea, almost all able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for 18 months by the time they are 28 years old, CNN reported.

The country's parliament passed a bill in 2020 allowing pop stars – namely those who "excel in popular culture and art" – to defer their service until the age of 30.

Jin, who turned 30 on Dec. 4, is currently undergoing a five-week basic training program with other conscript soldiers before receiving his official assignment.

BTS' record label Big Hit Music announced in October that all seven members of the group were planning to undertake military service.

After Jin, Suga is expected to enter the military by 2023. J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook will enlist between 2024 to 2025.

The estimated comeback of BTS as a full group is expected to be in 2025.

The seven members of BTS, which debuted in 2013, got the number "7" tattooed on their bodies before Jin's enlistment, RM revealed.

RM promised fans that they "will work very hard to reunite again soon and show what only we can do."