How ARMY is Still Crying Over the BTS Military Hiatus

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After announcing their hiatus in June, K-pop sensation BTS has revealed that the hiatus will not end until 2025 to fulfill their mandatory military service in South Korea. Fans(or ARMY as they’re called) are saddened by this news.

BTS has had a busy career breaking records. and playing massive stadium tours over the last 10 years. On Monday, the band’s management company and label BIGHIT MUSIC released a statement that the group will complete their military service before ending the hiatus.

“BIGHIT MUSIC has focused to the milestone moment when it would be possible to respect the needs of the country and for these healthy young men to serve with their countrymen, and that’s now.” reads the statement.

South Korean government requires men between the ages of 18 to 28 to serve a minimum of 18 months in the armed forces. Certain notable figures in sports or classical music have been able to exempt or delay their service. Jin, the oldest member of BTS at 29 was given a two-year extension on his military service after he turned 28 in 2021. He is the first K-pop star to ever be granted such a privilege. The rest of the BTS members, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, will stagger their military commitments while pursuing individual projects.

ARMY reacted to the news in a myriad of ways. Some were utterly heartbroken.

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And a lot were grateful for the music and supportive of the group’s future.

And of course, like any fandom, there were memes.

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Rachel Horner, a studio coordinator and member of ARMY was touched by the respect and support given by the fandom.

“…I [definitely] think the response has been positive. I think ARMY in general are very loyal. And every response I’ve seen has been like: We will miss you, but are so happy for all the memories made in Chapter one of BTS, catch you in 2025,” she tells What’s Trending. “The sadness or “negative emotion” I’ve felt or seen from friends is more along the lines of the first chapter ending. Feeling very reflective and grateful for all the memories and moments everyone has made by being ARMY”.

Furthermore, ARMY isn’t going anywhere. Horner, who has made lifelong friends through BTS and even joined a dance team composed of other fans, notes that ARMY is strong enough to withstand any hiatus.

“And I’m very sure that when they do come back in 2025 – it will be just as miserably hard as [it] was to get tickets. And I will be so glad to reunite with everyone”

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