BTS member Suga has begun his three weeks of military training as he becomes the third member of the group to enter two years of mandatory military service. As he did so, he sent a farewell message to fans, telling them to wrap up warm as the seasons change. So thoughtful.
“I am here safe and sound, thanks to Army”, he wrote on Weverse, referring to the band’s fanbase - known as Army - rather than the actual South Korean army, which was presumably actually responsible for his safe transport to the training centre.
“The time has come”, he went on. “I will return after diligently serving my mandatory service. Please be mindful of the change of seasons as we transition to a chilly season of fall. Stay healthy, and see you all in 2025. Army, I always thank you so much, and I love you”.
And with that, he was gone. Although he still has to complete the initial round of military training, Suga will not then join his bandmates Jin and J-Hope in the army once that is completed.
As confirmed last year, he is set to take up a role as a “social service agent” instead, due to a shoulder injury sustained in 2020.
Suga’s plans to enlist were announced last week, with BTS’s record label BigHit urging fans “to refrain from visiting Suga at his workplace during the period of his service”, and instead convey “your warm regards and encouragement in your hearts only”.
It was then announced this week that the seven members of BTS have all renewed their contracts with BigHit, ready for their post-military return in 2025.