BTS’s journey continues to evolve as another one of its members, Suga, officially begins his military service in the South Korean army. In a touching farewell message to the band’s devoted fanbase, known as ARMY (which now takes on new meaning for the star), Suga had some sweet things to say to those around the world who have supported him for so long.
“I was able to come this far thanks to you,” Suga stated in a heartfelt missive, which the musician shared on Weverse. “And the time has come. I will faithfully complete my duty and come back,” Suga promised in his message.
Suga ended the note in a lighthearted manner, saying, “Be careful of the chilly autumn weather. Stay healthy and see you all in 2025.”
The singer and rapper is the latest member of BTS to join the South Korean military, and enlistment is mandatory for all men in the nation by a certain age. The seven singers of the group were granted extensions by the government, but whether or not they accepted them, they all will need to fulfill the 18-month program at some point or another.
Suga’s enlistment follows in the footsteps of Jin and J-Hope, making him the latest member of BTS to fulfill his military obligations. The other singers and dancers in the group—RM, Jung Kook, Jimin and V—will all join the army as well at some point.
While fans may feel a void in the absence of their beloved artist, there is hope on the horizon. The band is expected to reunite and perform together again in 2025, once all the members have completed their service.
Before joining the army and putting his music career on hold, Suga spent much of 2023 being incredibly busy. He dropped what he called his debut album, D-Day, which followed a pair of solo mixtapes. The set worked its way to No. 2 on the Billboard 200, making him one of three members of BTS to miss out on the No. 1 rung on the tally by a single space.
