Explainer | Jin of BTS is to begin military service in South Korea – where will the K-pop star go and what will he do?

Jin, the oldest member of BTS, begins mandatory military service in South Korea on December 13. We break down what lies ahead for the singer and for the group

The K-pop star is likely to be one of the oldest recruits, and all eyes will be on which unit he will join for the rest of his military service

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Jin of BTS shows off a military-style haircut ahead of his enlistment in the South Korean Armed Forces. Photo: Weverse/@Jin

Published: 4:15pm, 12 Dec 2022Updated: 4:50pm, 12 Dec 2022

At 30, Jin of K-pop sensation BTS will be the first and oldest member of the seven-strong group to begin his mandatory service in the South Korean armed forces on December 13.

Fans have been asked by the band’s label, Big Hit Music, to “refrain from visiting” the ceremony marking Jin’s entry to the armed forces – normally attended by the enlisting person’s family – to avoid crowding.

All able-bodied South Korean men between 18 and 35 must undertake 18 months of military service.

There has been a long-running debate, because of the band’s global success and contributions to the entertainment industry and the country, about whether the septet could be exempted from conscription.

BTS in concert in 2019 in Chicago, in the US. In November 2020, the South Korean National Assembly passed a law allowing stars to delay their service until the age of 30. Photo: Getty Images

In November 2020, the South Korean National Assembly passed a law allowing those who have excelled in popular culture and art and have a recommendation from the culture minister to delay the start of their service until the age of 30. With few exceptions, other South Korean men must enlist by 28.