Big Hit Music said the band's oldest member, Jin, will revoke his request to delay his conscription at the end of the month and undertake the required conscription steps. The six other members also plan to serve in the military, according to the company's notice to financial regulators, which it described as management-related information that could possibly affect investment decisions.
"Each BTS member for the time being will focus on their individual activities based on their plans to serve in the military," Hybe Corp., the parent company of Big Hit, said in an email to The Associated Press. While South Korea's military for years had assigned enlisted entertainers to duties related to producing radio and TV material promoting the military, the "entertainment soldier" system was retired in 2013 following complaints over fairness.
Under South Korean law, most able-bodied men are required to perform 18-21 months of military service, but special exemptions had been granted for athletes and artists who excel in certain international competitions that have been tied with national prestige.