Suga, a prominent figure in the K-pop realm and a songwriter and rapper for the highly acclaimed boy band supergroup BTS, has commenced the enlistment process for mandatory military service, as confirmed by the band’s managing entity on Monday. This development marks the third member of the group to embark on their military obligations.
Big Hit Music, the label representing BTS, conveyed in a statement, “We wish to inform our devoted fanbase that SUGA has initiated the military enlistment process by applying for the cessation of his enlistment postponement.”
In South Korea, all physically capable men aged 18 to 28 are obliged to serve in the military for a duration of approximately two years.
A 2019 revision of the law allowed globally recognized K-pop luminaries to defer their service until they reached the age of 30. Currently, a parliamentary discourse is underway concerning a prospective amendment that would permit K-pop stars to undergo a condensed three-week military training.
In April, J-Hope, another member of BTS with Grammy nominations to their name, commenced his mandatory military service, following in the footsteps of Jin, the eldest member, who embarked on his military duties in December.
The statement from the music label concluded with a plea for continuous affection and support for Suga throughout his military tenure until his safe return.
Suga had earlier embarked on his inaugural solo world tour earlier this year and also curated his own talk show on YouTube.