The septet is considered the greatest cultural phenomenon in the country. BTS sells out arenas around the world, dominates the charts, grosses billions of dollars, and created a global legion of fans known as ARMYs.
But every able-bodied man must serve at least 18 months in the South Korean military. Although it has been debated for years whether BTS deserves an exemption, its members confirmed in October that they will enlist.
Jin, whose full name is Kim Seok-jin, reported on Tuesday for his five weeks of training before joining a unit, according to the military.
Hundreds of people including press teams and BTS fans packed an intersection in front of the entrance to the training camp in Yeoncheon – where a sign reads “Cradle of First Class Soldiers” – waiting for Jin’s arrival.
“We have mixed feelings today because on one hand it’s normal for him to enlist because it’s compulsory for Korean men,” said Veronique, a 32-year-old Indonesian fan. “But on the other hand, we won’t be able to see him for at least 18 months (…) Happy, but also sad and also proud,” she said.
The training site is near the border with North Korea, with which the South is technically at war.
Fans were shocked when BTS revealed in June that they were going on hiatus due to exhaustion, pressure, and a desire to pursue separate careers.
But analysts commented that the announcement was strategically planned because of the conscription.