As BTS singer Jin began his military service in South Korea yesterday, it was reported that Suga will be the next member of the group to enlist. However, unlike Jin, he will not enrol in active service, instead being appointed as a “social service agent”.
That news was reported by The Korea Herald, citing “military and music industry sources”. It is not clear exactly when he will take up his new role, although he is now less than three months away from his 30th birthday, by which time he must – under Korean law – sign up for his mandatory military service.
In a statement, the band’s record label Big Hit refused to confirm the report, saying: “[Members of BTS] will be enlisting in the military in order according to their individual plans. We cannot confirm information on their personal matters”.
It is unusual for those carrying out their military service in South Korea not to join active duty. However, exceptions can be made for those with pre-existing health conditions. It has been speculated that if Suga does indeed not become a soldier, this may be due to a shoulder injury he sustained in 2020, which required surgery.
Jin, who turned 30 earlier this month, officially began his military service yesterday, arriving at a military camp in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province – near the border with North Korea – in a motorcade of blacked out vehicles.
Despite numerous pleas to fans not to try to visit the military base, many were at the gates to wave him off as he began his two year stint away from the music industry.
Yonhap