What will happen now that BTS is to serve in military?
First turn
In its latest announcement on Monday, BTS's agency HYBE announced that Jin will be the first band member to join the military. The eldest member willbe joining by the end of October.
When will they return?
Noting that the septet was "honored to serve" their nation, the announcement added that the group would reconvene around 2025 once all its members had completed their service.
Effect on economy
According to analysts, BTS would have contributed $29.1T to South Korea from 2014 to 2023. The decision to not give them an exemption is surely going to affect the country's economy.
Who is exempted?
Per South Korean law, able-bodied adult males must serve in the military for 18 months before turning 30. International award-winning athletes and classical musicians are exempted.