BTS urges K-pop fans: Avoid waving us goodbye outside military bases

Four members of the BTS band have appealed to their fans not to come to army camps when they begin their mandatory military service. The K-pop stars' record label announced that RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook would soon be enlisting, with reports suggesting that this could happen as early as next week. In a video released later, RM explained that they could be a "nuisance" to other soldiers and their families, urging fans to avoid visiting them on the day. The three older band members are already in the army, with Jin being the first to join in December. The send-offs for the band members have previously attracted crowds of fans, known as the ARMY, who gather outside the military bases to bid farewell. As South Korea is technically still at war with North Korea, all able-bodied men are required to enlist for 18 months before the age of 28. The band's label, Big Hit Music, has asked fans to refrain from visiting the military bases on the day the band members arrive since no official events will be organized. The label added that fans should provide warm send-offs and encouragement to RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook through their hearts. BTS had shocked millions of fans when they announced a break shortly after releasing a new album last year, but the band assures that they will reunite in 2025. During their live stream, the members discussed the decision to take a pause in their careers to focus on personal projects and prepare for military service. While it was previously rumored that the government might grant BTS an exemption from military service due to their cultural prominence and economic impact, this exemption only applies to certain individuals such as Olympic medalists and classical musicians, not K-pop stars.