All seven members of BTS have joined the army as of right now, and the group will reunite in 2025. Though it is a risky strategy, it is also the group's best chance to be back together with fans as soon as possible.
Many people are unaware that, if BTS begins the enlistment procedure in 2020, they might potentially reunite in 2023 rather than 2025 as of right now. SUGA mentioned this in the most recent episode of BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star, and BTS's first enlistment strategy was made public as a result. When SUGA made this disclosure, fans were a bit surprised.
Long hiatuses for K-pop boy groups due to military enlistments are not uncommon in the industry, and even superstars like BTS are not exempt from this trend. The group faced challenges during a period when the public speculated about their enlistment plans. The discussions ranged from politicians proposing exemptions for BTS due to their contributions to the country's development to concerns about fairness in the military enlistment of young Korean men.
Between 2020 and 2022, the government and community discussed these problems, which made the atmosphere difficult for BTS. But SUGA disclosed that the group had plans to enroll in the military even before the debates in the most recent episode of BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star. According to SUGA, if the COVID-19 pandemic hadn't interfered with their plans, BTS would have joined earlier and might have come back in 2023.
SUGA explained, "We would've taken a break from November 2020 if there hadn't been a pandemic in the same year. We didn't expect the pandemic to go on for so long. We were going to finish the ON tour, and I was supposed to enlist sometime in November 2020. That was supposed to be the end." The original plan involved BTS enlisting in 2021 after completing the promotion of their album Map Of The Soul: 7. If things had gone as planned, the group could have reunited within the past year. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Jin became the first member to enlist in 2022, pushing the group's reunion to 2025.
SUGA: We would've taken a break from November 2020 if there hadn't been a pandemic in the same year. We didn't expect the pandemic to go on for so long. we were going to finish the ON tour, #BTS_모뉴먼츠_비욘드더스타 #SUGA#BTS_Monuments_BeyondTheStar pic.twitter.com/NmF5Qq0MX7
— Jiya⁷ APOBANGPO 💜 (@BTSTJ4SR) January 10, 2024
Even years ago, BTS had definite intentions and preparations for enlisting, in spite of rumors and criticism from the public. Although the interruptions could have unsettled BTS at the time, in light of the current situation, their new enlistment timeframe appears more appropriate. Fans are reassured by this news regarding the group's dedication and future readiness.
BTS's difficulties were not unusual; they were something that happened frequently in the K-pop business. Boy groups' uncertainty about military enlistment is a common story, and BTS handled these issues with a carefully considered strategy. The group's readiness to carry out its military obligations in the face of arguments and controversy shows how committed they are to both their artistic endeavors and their responsibilities as citizens.
As BTS progresses through their enlistment period, fans eagerly await their return, whether in 2023 or 2025. The journey of planning, adapting to unforeseen circumstances, and staying committed to their goals showcases BTS's resilience and determination. The group's ability to handle disruptions with grace and maintain a strong connection with their fanbase exemplifies their status as not just K-pop superstars, but global icons.
