The BTS boys sure do love a postconcert announcement, though this one did nothing to cure ARMY’s postconcert depression. Members of the septet will fulfill their mandatory military service in South Korea, BigHit Music announced in a statement on October 17 — just two days after their free concert in support of Busan’s bid to host the World Expo in 2030. Jin, who turns 30 in December, will be the first to go (but only after blasting off his single “Astronaut”).
Although fans around the world have long dreaded the prospect of sending the boys off to war their mandatory duties, the news isn’t exactly surprising. The South Korean military signaled in recent weeks that it is “desirable” for BTS members to serve, and one public-opinion poll showed that a small majority of Koreans thought it would be unfair to excuse the band from service. Most able-bodied men are required to fulfill mandatory military service by age 28, though BTS received a two-year extension. But this may not mean a full break from performing — a defense-ministry spokesperson said BTS could appear at “a national-level event for the public good” during military service. The band has yet to comment on the news, but fans are already accepting their new roles as military wives, promising to stick by the Tannies forever (#아포방포). The only thing no one could possibly come to terms with? The loss of Suga’s long hair — that tragedy will haunt fans until the end of time.
This post has been updated throughout.