All seven band members will fulfill their military obligations to the country and will not seek any further delays or special exceptions, Big Hit Music said on Twitter. Their message stated that the group's eldest member, Chin, will go into service first, and the stars will reunite as a group around 2025, after all military obligations have been fulfilled.
Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men must serve in the military for about two years in order to be prepared for attacks by North Korea, which possesses nuclear weapons, if threatened.
However, the law allows world-class athletes and musicians to do alternative service instead, on the recommendation of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Big Hit Music said in a statement that world pop stars "would consider it an honor" to serve their country.
The music agency said this news of BTS members leaving for the military was announced at the "perfect time," just after "a phenomenal concert in support of Busan's bid to host the international World Expo 2030.