Members of BTS, namely RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, initiate the process of military enlistment

The four remaining members of the BTS band have begun the process of enlisting for their mandatory military service in South Korea. The group's label, Big Hit Music, has asked fans to continue supporting RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook until they safely return from conscription. This follows the enlistment of older members Jin and J-Hope, while Suga is currently serving as a social service agent due to being unfit for regular combat duty. BTS went on a hiatus in June to allow their members to complete military service after achieving great success in the US. The debate over whether BTS should be exempt from military service due to their contributions to the country's economy and reputation has been ongoing for years. However, South Korea does not offer exemptions to K-pop stars, unlike some athletes and classical musicians. Earlier this year, the chairman of BTS's agency expressed that the group's military service was hindering the global growth of K-pop. In September, it was announced that all seven members had renewed their contracts with their music label.