BigHit Music has updated BTS fans on plans for the remaining four members of the group to enlist in the South Korean military. The record label has also again urged fans not to try to visit them while they are serving in the country’s army. Appeals that do not seem to be working.
It was recently announced that RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook had all begun the process of embarking on their mandatory military service. They follow Jin, J-Hope and Suga, who have all signed up over the last year.
Jimin recently told fans that he will enter his training this month, and now BigHit has revealed that he and Jungkook “are scheduled to enlist together”. RM and V, meanwhile, will enlist separately on undisclosed dates.
The label is being vague about exactly when and where the remaining members will be serving their time in the military and issued its latest plea for fans to “refrain from visiting” the sites where they end up. “Please convey your warm regards and encouragement in your hearts only”, it said.
These requests to support the band members from afar have been posted regularly throughout the various band members’ journeys into the army. But seemingly not all fans have adhered to them, with an unofficial industry sprouting up to aid those willing to ignore these appeals.
“We also advise you not to get adversely affected by purchasing unauthorised tours or product packages that illegally use the artist's IP”, says BigHit. “Our company will take necessary action against any attempts at commercial activity making unauthorised use of such IP”.
A year into this process, it’s not clear how much good that “necessary action” is doing. But clearly all involved would like everyone to wait for the official reunion of the group, scheduled for 2025.