• By Srishti Pandey
  • Tue, 12 Dec 2023 02:30 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
Add as a preferred

BTS members Jungkook and Jimin enlisted in the military on December 12, making them the last two of the septet to start the mandatory service to their nation South Korea. Fans gave an emotional farewell to them and poured their hearts out in sharing their best wishes for the journey ahead and the time BTS and ARMYs would be apart. ‘See You Soon Jungkook’ and ‘We Will Wait For You Jimin’ trended on ‘X’ hours before their enlistment. Suga and Jhope were there to send them off.

Members RM and V enlisted a day before Jungkook and Jimin on December 11. It was a sight to behold as all seven members got clicked together after a long time. All members will be released from mandatory military service at different times based on the date of their enlistment and all seven members are expected to be together by June 2025.

ARMYs have flooded social media as they share messages of positivity, hope, and encouragement as they wait for their idols’ return. Let’s look back in time and see how each member bid adieu before they enlisted in the military. 

BTS Farewell Messages


Image: BTS members left heartfelt messages for ARMYs before starting their mandatory military service (Source: X/@Okos62812207)

Jin -

The eldest member of BTS, Jin was the first to enlist in the military on December 13, 2022. All other members went to support their ‘Hyung’. BTS’ leader and rapper RM later revealed that Jin did not say much at the time of his enlistment. RM mentioned that Jin had said, “Like the eldest, he said that he’ll experience all of it first and let us know how it goes.”

A day before his enlistment, Jin took to Weverse and wrote in Korean “Now it's curtain call time” in reference to a character called 'Jhin' in the video game 'League of Legends' (translated by fans on X). His message further read “I wanted to do it when I went to the army”. Jin is a gaming enthusiast who did not leave his humour at an emotional moment like that.

Jhope -

Jhope shared an endearing message for ARMYs on Instagram ahead of his enlistment on April 18, 2023. He wrote in Korean on a yellowed paper, “I’ll have a good trip!!” and shared his first look in the military-approved buzzcut. 

He also wrote a message on Weverse that said,  “I love you ARMY…I’ll go and come back well”.

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by jhope (@uarmyhope)

Suga -

Suga was the third member to enlist on September 22, 2023. He is fulfilling his national duties by doing alternative service rather than combat. This is allowed for men in South Korea who may have incurred certain injuries or health issues. 

Suga did a live stream on Weverse before starting his duty and told ARMYs not to be sad about his enlistment and that he would be back in 2025.  

RM -

RM enlisted on December 11 and posted a long note on Weverse for his fans. Here’s a part of what he wrote, “ Hello, everyone who I love, at last, that day has come. It seemed like what I wanted to tell you all circled me a lot, but now I can't seem to say anything. For the past 10 years, I was so happy that I was able to live as BTS. I've said this constantly like a habit, but because the end is also the beginning! I don't doubt in believing that after it passes, something else good will be waiting for us.”

V -

V enlisted in the military with his hyung RM on December 11 (a few days before his birthday on December 30) and wrote on Weverse, “I think I will miss you so much. Actually, I’m really sad that I can’t make happy memories with my ARMY for the time being, so it’s okay if I take one out, but it’s the hardest not to see the ARMY. I will be back after 18 months of being healthy, so take care of your ARMY and if you’re looking for something to be happy about every day, cheers.”

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jeataetae♡ (@jeaticot_)

Jimin -

Jimin who enlisted in the military on December 12 told his fans in his last Weverse Live before returning in 2025 that reality had hit him once he shaved his head. Before ending the Weverse live, he said, “I'll stay in contact with you whether it's through letters or something, I'll stay in touch with you all.”

He also dropped a quick “See you” (Weverse auto-translation from Korean to English) on Weverse before finally enlisting in the morning. 

Also Read: BTS V and American Singer Umi Collaborate; Singer Shares Message For Kim Taehyung On His Military Enlistment

Jungkook -

Jungkook was the last member to do a Weverse live before his enlistment. The ‘Standing Next To You’ singer known for his long lives kept it short and could be observed to be very emotional as he said his goodbyes. In his last comments before enlisting, he said, “Everyone, we will all be enlisted! Thank you for cheering us on until we're all enlisted! Be well and be healthy and happy!! I will miss you! Anyway, I came just for a short time to say my greetings. Bye, guys. I'll do the training well! love you, guys”.

As all members have finally enlisted in the military, fans eagerly await their return and are looking forward to the release of Jin who will be free of his military duties in 2024. BTS members have also prepared a lot of content that will be released from time to time by their label Bighit Entertainment during their absence. 'BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star' is an upcoming docu-series that will be available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar from December 20. 

Also Read: BTS Jungkook And Jimin Military Service: Singers Pose With Jhope, Suga As They Enlist | Photos Viral