The countdown for BTS’s eldest member, Jin, to complete his mandatory military service has officially begun. With just 100 days remaining, ARMY (BTS’s global fanbase) is buzzing with excitement and anticipation as the beloved idol’s return approaches. Fans worldwide have started sharing their eagerness to welcome him back to the stage, and social media is already flooded with tributes and hashtags celebrating this milestone. Jin, whose real name is Kim Seok-jin, enlisted in the South Korean military on December 13, 2022, becoming the first BTS member to fulfill the country's mandatory military service requirement. As South Korea mandates military service for all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35, Jin, born in 1992, was required to enlist by the end of 2022.
The South Korean military service typically lasts for 18 to 21 months, depending on the division and role assigned to the individual. Jin’s enlistment marked a bittersweet moment for BTS and their fans. As the oldest member of the group, his enlistment signified the beginning of a new chapter for the globally renowned K-pop group, who had been active since 2013. The group’s management, BIGHIT Music, had announced that all BTS members would eventually serve, with plans for the group to reunite in the future once all members complete their service. Jin’s military duties saw him being placed in active duty, where he underwent rigorous training, including physical exercises, tactical skills, and weapons training. His entry into the military was met with widespread media coverage, and fans respected the idol's decision, knowing that his service was a national obligation that must be fulfilled.
Jin updated on Weverse and wrote "D-100"
In accordance with South Korean law, all physically fit young men aged 18 to 28 are obligated to fulfill mandatory military service, lasting between 18 to 21 months, without exceptions for individuals in the K-pop industry. However, due to the unprecedented success of BTS, a revision to the country's Military Service Act was introduced in 2020. The amended law allows K-pop stars and entertainers to delay their military service until the age of 30. This adjustment provided an opportunity for Jin, the eldest member of BTS, who reached the age of 30 in December 2022, to defer his military service.
On his birthday, Dec. 4, 2023, he shared a message with his fans on Weverse, as well as an update on his military service.
"Hello, I’m Jin. Thank you for wishing me a happy birthday," the message translated into English reads, adding that he's always enjoyed celebrating his birthday with the BTS Army, "But unfortunately, I can’t enjoy it this year, so it’s heartbreaking." Jin
He wrote again after some time
"It’s already been a year since I joined the military," he continued in part. "There’s still a lot of time left, but I’m already excited to be with you if I spend only a third of the total time. Oh, and our members are going to join the army..LOL. LOL. I’m going to cry. I hope that time passes quickly and I can have a good time with the members and the Army." Jin
In accordance with South Korean law, all physically fit young men aged 18 to 28 are obligated to fulfill mandatory military service, lasting between 18 to 21 months, without exceptions for individuals in the K-pop industry. However, due to the unprecedented success of BTS, a revision to the country's Military Service Act was introduced in 2020. The amended law allows K-pop stars and entertainers to delay their military service until the age of 30. This adjustment provided an opportunity for Jin, the eldest member of BTS, who reached the age of 30 in December 2022, to defer his military service.
On his birthday, Dec. 4, 2023, he shared a message with his fans on Weverse, as well as an update on his military service.
"Hello, I’m Jin. Thank you for wishing me a happy birthday," the message translated into English reads, adding that he's always enjoyed celebrating his birthday with the BTS Army, "But unfortunately, I can’t enjoy it this year, so it’s heartbreaking." Jin
He wrote again after some time
"It’s already been a year since I joined the military," he continued in part. "There’s still a lot of time left, but I’m already excited to be with you if I spend only a third of the total time. Oh, and our members are going to join the army..LOL. LOL. I’m going to cry. I hope that time passes quickly and I can have a good time with the members and the Army." Jin
And again when he was promoted,
"I’m currently Sergeant Kim Seok-jin after one more early promotion due to my outstanding military career." Jin
Jin was the first ember to enlist in the military on 13th December 2022. He will be discharged on 12th June 2024
Jin’s return from the military is highly significant not only for BTS but also for the larger K-pop and entertainment industry. Known for his strong vocals, charming visuals, and humorous personality, Jin has been an integral part of BTS's success. His contribution to the group's discography and performances has earned him immense popularity within the BTS fandom and across global audiences. As the countdown to his return begins, fans are expressing their excitement about what Jin’s re-entry into the music world will mean for both his solo career and BTS's group activities. With BTS on a temporary hiatus due to the members' military obligations, Jin’s return marks the first major step toward the group’s eventual reunion.
Moreover, his return is symbolic of BTS’s perseverance as they navigate this period of mandatory enlistment. Despite the hiatus, BTS continues to remain relevant in the global music industry, with each member exploring solo projects while waiting for their turn to serve. Jin’s return also brings hope for the return of full-group activities in the not-so-distant future. ARMY’s Countdown and Celebration. The BTS ARMY has always shown unwavering support for each member during significant moments of their careers, and Jin’s military service is no exception. From the day he enlisted, fans launched a wave of supportive messages, artwork, and videos on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Weverse. The hashtag #WaitingForJin and #JinIsComingBack have been trending in various countries as fans express their excitement about the 100-day countdown.
Fan communities have been planning a wide range of projects to celebrate Jin’s return. From fan art exhibitions to charitable donations in his name, ARMY is known for making the most of special occasions to show their love and admiration for BTS members. Some fans are even organizing online events, including countdown livestreams and fan chats, to commemorate Jin’s final 100 days in the military. There is also speculation that upon Jin’s return, fans will flood social media with the hashtag #WelcomeBackJin, continuing their tradition of welcoming BTS members with love and enthusiasm after significant events.
In the lead-up to his enlistment, Jin made a lasting impression with his solo single The Astronaut, which was released in October 2022. The track, co-written by British band Coldplay, was Jin’s gift to fans before his enlistment, offering a heartfelt message about his journey and connection with ARMY. The lyrics express a deep bond with BTS fans, as Jin compares himself to an astronaut who feels grounded by their love and support. The Astronaut was widely celebrated by fans and critics alike, and its release gave Jin the opportunity to showcase his unique artistry and vocal prowess. The music video for the track, which features an ethereal, otherworldly theme, resonated with fans, leading to millions of views on YouTube and topping charts worldwide.
Jin's military enlistment shortly after the release of The Astronaut made the song even more significant, as it felt like a farewell gift from the singer to his fans. The emotional weight of the song continues to resonate with fans as they eagerly anticipate his return. As Jin prepares to rejoin the music world, fans are hopeful that he will continue exploring solo projects while maintaining his role as a vital member of BTS. The success of The Astronaut is seen as a precursor to potential future solo releases from Jin, allowing him to further establish himself as a solo artist while continuing to contribute to BTS's group efforts.
While Jin’s return from the military marks an important milestone, BTS’s complete reunion will not happen immediately. Following Jin, members such as Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook will also need to fulfill their mandatory service obligations. Suga, the second oldest member, has already begun his service in a non-combat role, and the others are expected to enlist in the coming years, depending on their schedules. However, fans are optimistic that BTS will eventually return as a group once all members complete their service. BIGHIT Music has reassured fans that the group intends to continue their journey together, and BTS members themselves have expressed their desire to reunite and make music together in the future.
The group’s global influence continues to grow even during this hiatus, with BTS consistently making headlines for their individual and group achievements. The members' solo projects have been met with tremendous success, with each member demonstrating their unique musical styles and personalities. Jin’s return could potentially lead to more collaborations and content that further solidifies BTS's legacy as one of the most influential music groups in history.
What’s Next for Jin? As Jin approaches the end of his military service, fans are eager to know what his next steps will be. Given the immense success of The Astronaut, many are speculating that he may release more solo material once he returns to the spotlight. There’s also excitement surrounding his potential involvement in BTS’s future projects, both as a singer and performer. Fans are also looking forward to Jin’s appearances in various BTS-related content once he returns. From variety shows to interviews, Jin’s charming personality and sense of humor have always been a fan favorite, and his return to the public eye is expected to be met with widespread enthusiasm.
With 100 days left until Jin completes his military service, the excitement among BTS fans is palpable. His return represents not only the reunion of a beloved member of the group but also a new chapter in BTS’s journey. As Jin prepares to re-enter the world of music and entertainment, fans around the world are ready to welcome him back with open arms, counting down the days until his discharge. For Jin, the time spent in the military has likely provided him with valuable experiences and insights that will influence his future work. As the countdown to his return begins, both Jin and BTS stand on the brink of a new era, and the world is watching with anticipation.
Fans can expect a grand celebration when Jin is officially discharged, and with BTS’s future still full of possibilities, the return of their eldest member is just the beginning of what’s sure to be an exciting period for the group and their dedicated ARMY. As BTS continues to break records, push boundaries, and captivate global audiences, Jin’s return marks a significant step forward in their incredible journey.
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