‘Avoid seeing us’: BTS’ message to fans before mandatory military service

Four members of world-famous K-pop group BTS have sent a message to fans, urging them not to attend army bases as they prepare to enter mandatory military service.

The band’s management released an update on the “upcoming” enlistments of members RM, Jimin, V and Jung Kook on Tuesday, with some media outlets reporting the artists are expected to join the South Korean army as early as next week.

“RM and V will be enlisting according to their respective procedures, while Jimin and Jung Kook are scheduled to enlist together,” it wrote in the statement.

Taking to social media platform Weverse, the four bandmates urged their fans – affectionately known as the ARMY – not to attend bases on the day of their enlistment as they don’t want to become a “nuisance” for others.

“There is something we want to ask … Other people will be entering service too. So if possible, I wish you would avoid coming,” Jung Kook, who has already shaved his hair for military service, said in the video.

“Other soldiers and their parents will be there. We could become a nuisance,” added RM.

The four members said they don’t want to become a “nuisance” to other soldiers as they enlist in the army. Picture: BBC/Weverse

The members will join three other bandmates who are already serving in the army for their country, where nearly all able-bodied men are obliged to enlist for 18 months by the time they turn 28.

Jin, the oldest BTS member, was the first to enlist, followed by J-Hope and then Suga, who enlisted in September.

The band members previously announced they would take a break until 2025 as they fulfilled their military service.

“It’s going to take some time but it’s no big deal. We’ve been active for 10 years. One-and-half years will go quick,” RM said in the video.

In their statement, the band’s management said they would be no “separate official events” held on the day of their entry.

“We ask that you only give a warm send-off and encouragement to RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook with your heart,” it added.

In 2022 it was announced the band would serve their mandatory military service, ending years-long debate on whether the stars deserved exemptions from mandatory service.

In South Korea, exemptions are granted to some elite athletes and classical musicians, however, pop stars do not qualify for the special dispensation.

SOURCE: NEWS.COM