BTS star Suga will begin his mandatory military service in South Korea, and it looks like the group’s devoted army fan base will have to give him some space.
Bighit Music, the group’s label, announced in a news release Monday that Suga — the second oldest BTS member — will begin his “essential service” on Friday. The label states that “there will be no official event” marking the start of his enlistment or his first day at training camp.
“We kindly ask fans to refrain from visiting SUGA at his workplace during his service,” the statement continued. Fans had earlier gathered at the military base to see the BTS members.
Vihit added: “Please only convey your warm wishes and encouragement in your heart.”
Last month, Vihit announced that Suga, 30, had taken steps to suspend his enlistment.
South Korean law requires all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35 to complete approximately 18 months of military service. The seven BTS members are between the ages of 25 and 30. Bighit Music announced in October 2022 that BTS members will join the army
“Bizzit Music is focused on the milestone moment when it will be possible to honor the country’s needs and for these healthy young men to serve their countrymen, and it is now,” the label said in an October statement.
To help the BTS stars perform their mandatory service, Vihit also said that the musicians will take a break from group work and pursue solo endeavors. BTS will reunite in 2025, Vihit said in October.
Suga, born Min Yoon-gi, is the third BTS artist to fulfill his military commitment. In December 2022, the eldest BTS member, Jin, became the first to begin his enlistment.
According to the Associated Press, Jin and the then-new recruits underwent five weeks of basic military training at the base, including rifle fire, grenade throwing and marching drills.
J-Hope, 29, started his service in April.
With multiple BTS members now in the South Korean military, Bighit urged fans to watch out for “unauthorized tours or package products that illegally use the artist’s intellectual property” and said it would take “appropriate measures” against such attempts.
“We ask for your continued love and support for SUGA until he finishes his service and returns,” the statement concluded. “Our company will try to provide all the support it needs during this time.”
Times staff writer Jonah Valdez contributed to this report.