BTS’ Jin to release first solo single next week ahead of military duty

Published: 
Listen to this article
  • The K-pop star will drop ‘The Astronaut’ on October 28, his agency Bighit said
  • The 30-year-old singer will sign up for his mandatory military service in South Korea by the end of the year
Reuters |
Published: 
Comment

Latest Articles

Listen Up: Life-size Lego tram built with 1.8 million bricks

BTS’ Jin will release his first solo single next week before enlisting in the South Korean military to complete his mandatory service. Photo: AP Photo

Jin, a member of the K-pop group BTS, will release his first official solo single next week, the band’s agency said on Wednesday, following this week’s announcement that he will soon start military duty.

The song, titled “The Astronaut”, will be released on October 28, with pre-orders to begin later on Wednesday.

“Since it’s a song made with so much love toward the fans, we hope ‘The Astronaut’ can be a gift to all of you,” Bighit Music said in a statement posted on global fandom platform Weverse.

Should K-pop stars be required to do their mandatory military service?

The announcement came after the band’s management group HYBE, which owns Bighit, said on Monday that Jin will enlist in the South Korean military. The six younger band members also plan to complete their compulsory service over the next few years.

In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for about two years.

Jin, 30, will enlist in the military by the end of the year. In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for about two years, and they are allowed to postpone conscription until the age of 30. Photo: Reuters

In June, BTS announced a break from group musical activities to pursue solo projects, but reunited on Saturday to perform a free concert in the city of Busan in support of South Korea’s bid to host the World Expo 2030 in the port city.

“Both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment,” Bighit said in an earlier statement.

Sign up for the YP Teachers Newsletter
Get updates for teachers sent directly to your inbox
By registering, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy
Comment