Another beginning is promised as BTS takes a brief hiatus, setting the stage for their full return in 2025. Big Hit Music announced on the 22nd, “RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have begun the process for their military service obligations. We will inform you about the enlistment-related news as it gets decided.”
Jungkook was the first to hint at his enlistment through the fan platform Weverse, saying, “I am starting a new journey in December. I will be temporarily leaving to fulfill my military duties. While part of my heart feels heavy, the precious memories with ARMY warm my heart. Every moment with ARMY has been the brightest time of my life.”
He continued, “While I am cautious to ask you to wait for me blindly during my military service, I can’t be selfish, but I promise to return and stand on stage, more grown than ever.”
Before the simultaneous announcement of the four members' enlistment, Jin, J-Hope, and Suga were already serving their military duties. Thus, BTS's hiatus wasn’t an abrupt reality. Instead, the global fandom ARMY has been eagerly anticipating the members' discharge dates, counting down to the reunion. BTS and their agency, HYBE, have suggested 2025 as the year for the full return of BTS.
As BTS enters an “orderly hiatus” from group activities, their remarkable solo efforts up until enlistment have set an example in the idol industry and K-pop in general. With RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook each having shone individually in music releases, Jungkook, in particular, has been referred to as the ‘Emperor of Pop’ this year, reaching the pinnacle of his solo career.
On the same day as the announcement of the four members preparing for enlistment, the Billboard Year-End Charts were released. Jungkook made an impressive mark with his mega-hit "Seven," ranking 82nd in the "Hot 100 Songs," 17th in "Global 200," and 10th in "Global (excluding the U.S.)." The entry of a K-pop solo artist into the Year-End "Hot 100 Songs" chart is a feat that has not been achieved since Psy's "Gangnam Style" in 2012.