BTS’ Suga officially begins military enlistment
He is required to serve for 18-21 months under Korean law.
By Nick Reilly
BTS rapper Suga has officially begun the process of enlisting in the military, it’s been confirmed.
In a statement released today (August 7) by Big Hit Music, it was revealed that the rapper had ended his postponement of military service and is currently beginning his journey with the South Korean army.
Under the country’s laws, all able-bodied male citizens must serve for 18-21 months by the age of 28. Each member of BTS had previously been granted an enlistment exemption until they turned 30 after receiving an Order of Cultural Merit from ex-president Moon Jae-in.
“We would like to inform our fans that Suga has initiated the military enlistment process by applying for the termination of his enlistment postponement,” Big Hit Entertainment said in its statement. “We will inform you of further updates in due course.”
“We ask you for your continued love and support for Suga until he completes his military service and safely returns. Our company will spare no effort in providing support for our artist,” added the agency.
It is unclear what Suga’s role will be, but NME reports that it was previously claimed he would enlist as a public service worker due to a long-term shoulder injury.
He will become the third BTS member to enlist, following in the footsteps of the group’s eldest member Jin in December 2022 and J-hope in April 2023, who are both currently undergoing active service.
Suga also undertook a three-night residency performance in Seoul over the weekend, likely to be his last gigs before enlisting. He was joined at the shows by bandmates Jungkook, Jimin and RM.