Jungkook, the globally renowned K-pop idol and member of BTS, is currently in South Korea, fulfilling his mandatory military duty.
Mandatory Military Service in South Korea
As a K-pop icon, Jungkook, like all able-bodied South Korean men, is currently serving his mandatory military duty. This service is a requirement for all male citizens, typically lasting between 18 to 21 months, depending on the branch of service. Jungkook enlisted alongside fellow BTS member Jimin in December 2023, following in the footsteps of their bandmates Jin, J-Hope, Suga, RM, and V.
Despite his temporary hiatus from active musical promotions due to his enlistment, Jungkook continues to connect with his dedicated fanbase, known as ARMY. This connection often happens through pre-recorded content, messages, or updates shared by their agency, Big Hit Music.
Enlistment Overview of BTS Members
To provide context on Jungkook's current status within the group's service, here's an overview of the BTS members' enlistment periods:
| Member | Enlistment Date | Expected Discharge Date (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Jin | December 13, 2022 | June 12, 2024 |
| J-Hope | April 18, 2023 | October 17, 2024 |
| Suga | September 22, 2023 | June 21, 2025 |
| RM | December 11, 2023 | June 10, 2025 |
| V | December 11, 2023 | June 10, 2025 |
| Jimin | December 12, 2023 | June 11, 2025 |
| Jungkook | December 12, 2023 | June 11, 2025 |
Dates are approximate and based on standard active duty service durations.
Impact on BTS and ARMY
The enlistment of all BTS members marks a temporary pause in their group activities, allowing each member to fulfill their national duty. This period is eagerly anticipated by fans as a time for the members to mature and return to the music scene with renewed perspectives. The collective hope among ARMY is for the group's full reunion around 2025, following the completion of all members' military service.
For more details on K-pop idols and military enlistment, you can refer to reputable news sources like Billboard or BBC News.
