Jin Will be The First BTS Member to Fulfill His Mandatory South Korean Military Service, BIGHIT Music Announces

Kim Seok‑jin is the eldest member of BTS. He is known affectionately to fans as Jin. He is set to commence his mandatory military service on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. This marks the beginning of a carefully planned enlistment process for the group. The staggered enlistment was officially confirmed by HYBE (formerly Big Hit Music). In October 2022, BTS’s label revealed the group would begin fulfilling their military duties in phases. Jin, being the oldest at 30, was the first to step toward service. On October 17, HYBE disclosed that Jin had requested termination of his deferral and would soon proceed with enlistment preparations. Ahead of the scheduled enlistment, the label shared an official message on December 6, 2022, via Weverse.

Hello,

This is BIGHIT MUSIC.

We want to thank you for your continued support of BTS and would like to update you on Jin’s upcoming enlistment into the military.

Jin will fulfill his required time with the military by enlisting in the army. Please note that we will not be holding any kind of official event on the day of his recruitment.

The entrance ceremony is a time to be observed by military personnel and their families only. In order to prevent any issues that might occur from crowding, we ask fans to please refrain from visiting the site. Instead, we ask you to keep your heartwarming words of support and farewell in your hearts.

We also advise you not to get adversely affected by purchasing unauthorized tours or product packages illegally using artist IP. Our company will take necessary action against any attempts at commercial activity making unauthorized use of such IP.

We ask for your continued love and support for Jin until he finishes his military service and comes back. Our company will also strive to provide every support he needs during this time.

Thank you.

Key points included: No public or fan event would be held at the training center entrance. Fans were asked to support Jin emotionally, rather than attend in person, to avoid crowding or safety risks. Any unauthorized tours or merch using Jin’s brand would prompt legal action. HYBE asked fans for continued love and pledged to support Jin until he completes his service.

Jin is expected to enter the Yeoncheon training base in Gyeonggi Province discreetly. He will arrive in a vehicle. This approach is meant to avoid fans and media congestion. The focus is on ensuring his smooth, safe transition without fanfare, prioritizing privacy amid inevitable attention.

South Korean law mandates that men aged 18–28 must complete 18 to 21 months of service. Due to a legal extension granted to artists, BTS members have until age 30 to enlist. ‘As of October, Jin has withdrawn his postponement allowance and will begin the enrollment process in December’

Jin will train as an active-duty soldier, beginning with recruit training, followed by service and eventual discharge. He completed basic training. Then he advanced to an assistant instructor role within the 5th Infantry Division. This progression highlights his strong adaptation. In an official statement to the press, BigHit reiterated that Jin will enlist quietly. There will be no special events. He will serve as an active duty soldier in the Army. As precaution, Jin will go inside in a vehicle without greeting the media or fans.