• BTS through the years: the K-pop band at the Korean Culture Convention (K-Con), held at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on August 10, 2014. AFP
    BTS through the years: the K-pop band at the Korean Culture Convention (K-Con), held at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on August 10, 2014. AFP
  • Members of BTS arrive on the red carpet for K-Con 2014. AFP
    Members of BTS arrive on the red carpet for K-Con 2014. AFP
  • BTS on the red carpet for the Asia Artist Awards in Seoul on November 16, 2016. AFP
    BTS on the red carpet for the Asia Artist Awards in Seoul on November 16, 2016. AFP
  • Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and JungKook of BTS at Music Choice in New York City on March 22, 2017. Getty
    Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and JungKook of BTS at Music Choice in New York City on March 22, 2017. Getty
  • BTS perform Fake Love at the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. AP
    BTS perform Fake Love at the Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 20, 2018. AP
  • BTS accept the Top Social Artist award at the Billboard Music Awards on May 20, 2018. Reuters
    BTS accept the Top Social Artist award at the Billboard Music Awards on May 20, 2018. Reuters
  • BTS attend the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2018. AP
    BTS attend the 73rd session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 24, 2018. AP
  • BTS perform during a Korean cultural event in Paris as part of the South Korean president's official visit to France on October 14, 2018. AFP
    BTS perform during a Korean cultural event in Paris as part of the South Korean president's official visit to France on October 14, 2018. AFP
  • BTS on the red carpet at the Mnet Asian Music Awards in Hong Kong on December 14, 2018. AP
    BTS on the red carpet at the Mnet Asian Music Awards in Hong Kong on December 14, 2018. AP
  • BTS at the Seoul Music Awards on January 15, 2019. Getty
    BTS at the Seoul Music Awards on January 15, 2019. Getty
  • BTS present the award for Best R&B Album during the 61st Grammy Awards on February 10, 2019, in Los Angeles. AFP
    BTS present the award for Best R&B Album during the 61st Grammy Awards on February 10, 2019, in Los Angeles. AFP
  • BTS perform on Saturday Night Live on April 11, 2019. Getty
    BTS perform on Saturday Night Live on April 11, 2019. Getty
  • BTS before rehearsals for KBS 2TV's Music Bank in Yeouido, Seoul, on April 19, 2019. Getty
    BTS before rehearsals for KBS 2TV's Music Bank in Yeouido, Seoul, on April 19, 2019. Getty
  • BTS perform at concert to promote 18th Fina World Championships at a stadium in Gwangju, South Korea on April 28, 2019. EPA
    BTS perform at concert to promote 18th Fina World Championships at a stadium in Gwangju, South Korea on April 28, 2019. EPA
  • BTS and Halsey performing Boy With Luv at the Billboard Music Awards on May 1, 2019. Reuters
    BTS and Halsey performing Boy With Luv at the Billboard Music Awards on May 1, 2019. Reuters
  • BTS attend Youth Day at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul on September 19, 2020. Reuters
    BTS attend Youth Day at the Presidential Blue House in Seoul on September 19, 2020. Reuters
  • BTS present a purple gift box to President Moon Jae-in during the inaugural Youth Day event in Seoul on September 19, 2020. EPA
    BTS present a purple gift box to President Moon Jae-in during the inaugural Youth Day event in Seoul on September 19, 2020. EPA
  • BTS on the red carpet during the annual Mama Awards at Nagoya Dome in Nagoya, Japan, on December 4, 2019. Reuters
    BTS on the red carpet during the annual Mama Awards at Nagoya Dome in Nagoya, Japan, on December 4, 2019. Reuters
  • BTS at the 34st annual Golden Disk Awards ceremony in Seoul on January 4, 2020. EPA
    BTS at the 34st annual Golden Disk Awards ceremony in Seoul on January 4, 2020. EPA
  • BTS arrive at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on January 26, 2020. AP
    BTS arrive at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on January 26, 2020. AP
  • BTS visit the Today Show at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City on February 21, 2020. AFP
    BTS visit the Today Show at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City on February 21, 2020. AFP
  • BTS give an address as part of the YouTube Originals Dear Class of 2020 speeches. YouTube Originals
    BTS give an address as part of the YouTube Originals Dear Class of 2020 speeches. YouTube Originals
  • BTS performing as part of the YouTube Originals Dear Class of 2020 speeches. YouTube Originals
    BTS performing as part of the YouTube Originals Dear Class of 2020 speeches. YouTube Originals
  • BTS perform 'Dynamite' during the MTV Video Music Awards on August 30, 2020. Reuters
    BTS perform 'Dynamite' during the MTV Video Music Awards on August 30, 2020. Reuters
  • BTS accept the award for Best Pop Video for 'On' during the MTV Video Music Awards on August 30, 2020. AP
    BTS accept the award for Best Pop Video for 'On' during the MTV Video Music Awards on August 30, 2020. AP
  • BTS arrives to security check-in at the United Nations headquarters during the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 20, 2021. AFP
    BTS arrives to security check-in at the United Nations headquarters during the 76th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 20, 2021. AFP
  • V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope of BTS arrive at the 2021 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California on November 21, 2021. Reuters
    V, Suga, Jin, Jungkook, RM, Jimin and J-Hope of BTS arrive at the 2021 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California on November 21, 2021. Reuters
  • BTS accepts the award for artist of the year at the American Music Awards in 2021 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. AP
    BTS accepts the award for artist of the year at the American Music Awards in 2021 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. AP
  • Jin, Suga, V, Jungkook, RM, Jimin, and J-Hope of BTS hold their award for the Favourite Pop Song, Favourite Duo or Group and Artist of the Year awards during the 2021 American Music Awards. Reuters
    Jin, Suga, V, Jungkook, RM, Jimin, and J-Hope of BTS hold their award for the Favourite Pop Song, Favourite Duo or Group and Artist of the Year awards during the 2021 American Music Awards. Reuters
  • BTS pose on red carpet of iHeartRadio Jingle Ball concert in California on December 3, 2021. Reuters
    BTS pose on red carpet of iHeartRadio Jingle Ball concert in California on December 3, 2021. Reuters
  • BTS perform at Jamsil Olympic Park in southern Seoul, South Korea on March 10, 2022. EPA
    BTS perform at Jamsil Olympic Park in southern Seoul, South Korea on March 10, 2022. EPA
  • BTS pose on red carpet of 64th Annual Grammy Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 3, 2022. Reuters
    BTS pose on red carpet of 64th Annual Grammy Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 3, 2022. Reuters
  • BTS perform Butter during 64th Annual Grammy Awards show in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 3, 2022. Reuters
    BTS perform Butter during 64th Annual Grammy Awards show in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 3, 2022. Reuters
  • BTS Permission to Dance concert in Las Vegas on April 10, 2022. Photo: Big Hit Music
    BTS Permission to Dance concert in Las Vegas on April 10, 2022. Photo: Big Hit Music
  • Members of BTS join Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, centre, during a news conference at the White House in Washington DC on May 31, 2022. Photo: Oliver Contreras / Sipa / Bloomberg
    Members of BTS join Karine Jean-Pierre, White House press secretary, centre, during a news conference at the White House in Washington DC on May 31, 2022. Photo: Oliver Contreras / Sipa / Bloomberg

BTS member Jin to be deployed to 'front line' military unit


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  • Arabic

The oldest member of K-pop phenomenon BTS will begin his military service on December 13, becoming the first in the band to enlist, local media reported on Thursday.

All able-bodied South Korean men under the age of 30 must perform about two years of military service, mainly because the country remains technically at war with nuclear-armed North Korea.

That means the age cut-off is approaching for Jin, 29, a senior member of the hugely popular septet.

He will begin his mandatory five-week training at Yeoncheon in Gyeonggi province before being deployed to a "frontline unit", the Yonhap news agency reported, citing military and industry sources.

The singer had previously hinted on social media that he had been assigned to the front line.

Scroll through the gallery below to see Argentina fans say goodbye to Jin

  • Fans of BTS unable to attend the concert gather outside the Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires, to listen to Jin perform his single 'The Astronaut' with Coldplay. All photos: AFP
    Fans of BTS unable to attend the concert gather outside the Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires, to listen to Jin perform his single 'The Astronaut' with Coldplay. All photos: AFP
  • Fans outside the stadium for Coldplay's concert in Argentina.
    Fans outside the stadium for Coldplay's concert in Argentina.
  • A fan holds up a sign in Korean for BTS member Jin.
    A fan holds up a sign in Korean for BTS member Jin.
  • BTS fans queue to access to River Plate's Monumental stadium to attend the fourth of 10 concerts from Coldplay in Buenos Aires.
    BTS fans queue to access to River Plate's Monumental stadium to attend the fourth of 10 concerts from Coldplay in Buenos Aires.
  • A BTS fans holds an image of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, left, with BTS member Jin.
    A BTS fans holds an image of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi, left, with BTS member Jin.
  • A fan holds up a sign in Korean for Jin ahead of the Coldplay concert.
    A fan holds up a sign in Korean for Jin ahead of the Coldplay concert.
  • A fan has a sign asking Jin to marry her.
    A fan has a sign asking Jin to marry her.
  • Fans in Argentina show their support for BTS.
    Fans in Argentina show their support for BTS.
  • Fans hold up photos and posters for Jin.
    Fans hold up photos and posters for Jin.
  • Argentinian fans of Jin pose with a flag made specifically for him.
    Argentinian fans of Jin pose with a flag made specifically for him.
  • BTS fans show off their signs ahead of the concert.
    BTS fans show off their signs ahead of the concert.
  • BTS fans wear Argentina's football team shirts, with one specifically for Jin.
    BTS fans wear Argentina's football team shirts, with one specifically for Jin.

The news left fans overwhelmed and emotional, with some even expressing concern about Jin's safety.

"My heart literally dropped when I read that he will be deployed to the front line," one fan tweeted, adding: "This military thing that surround BTS for years NEVER really concerns me until now. Why front line?? Why??"

Another fan said: "I can't help but think they're sending him to the hardest scariest place as punishment."

BTS are credited with generating billions for the South Korean economy, and their label enjoyed a surge in profits despite holding fewer concerts during the coronavirus pandemic.

But the prospect of mandatory military service has long hovered over the K-pop superstars, and has triggered years-long debate in South Korea over whether they deserved exemptions — which are given to classical musicians and Olympic medallists, for example.

Their agency announced last month that band members would carry out their mandatory military service, starting with Jin.

Seoul's defence minister had said in August that BTS might be allowed to continue performing and preparing for international concerts even while undertaking military duties.

New high-energy musical takes K-pop to Broadway — in pictures

  • Playwright Jason Kim appears at the Circle in the Square Theatre in New York, where his musical KPop will open on November 27. AP Photo
    Playwright Jason Kim appears at the Circle in the Square Theatre in New York, where his musical KPop will open on November 27. AP Photo
  • South Korean singer Luna during a performance of KPop. O+M / DKC via AP
    South Korean singer Luna during a performance of KPop. O+M / DKC via AP
  • Luna rehearsing. O+M / DKC via AP
    Luna rehearsing. O+M / DKC via AP
  • The cast in action. O+M / DKC via AP
    The cast in action. O+M / DKC via AP
  • KPop features an almost entirely Asian American and Asian cast. O+M / DKC via AP
    KPop features an almost entirely Asian American and Asian cast. O+M / DKC via AP
  • The musical is set as a backstage look at some K-pop performers as they get ready for their debut show in New York City. O+M / DKC via AP
    The musical is set as a backstage look at some K-pop performers as they get ready for their debut show in New York City. O+M / DKC via AP
  • Korean pop star Luna makes her Broadway debut with KPop. AP
    Korean pop star Luna makes her Broadway debut with KPop. AP
Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

<html><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html" charset="UTF-8" /></head><body><!--PSTYLE=* Labels%3aFH Label 18 Sport--><p>Beach soccer</p><!--PSTYLE=BY Byline--><p>Amith Passela</p><p /></body></html>
Dates for the diary

To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:

  • September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
  • October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
  • October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
  • November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
  • December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
  • February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
Specs

Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric

Range: Up to 610km

Power: 905hp

Torque: 985Nm

Price: From Dh439,000

Available: Now

World Sevens Series standing after Dubai

1. South Africa
2. New Zealand
3. England
4. Fiji
5. Australia
6. Samoa
7. Kenya
8. Scotland
9. France
10. Spain
11. Argentina
12. Canada
13. Wales
14. Uganda
15. United States
16. Russia

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What is type-1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a genetic and unavoidable condition, rather than the lifestyle-related type 2 diabetes.

It occurs mostly in people under 40 and a result of the pancreas failing to produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugars.

Too much or too little blood sugar can result in an attack where sufferers lose consciousness in serious cases.

Being overweight or obese increases the chances of developing the more common type 2 diabetes.

RACE SCHEDULE

All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Friday, September 29
First practice: 7am - 8.30am
Second practice: 11am - 12.30pm

Saturday, September 30
Qualifying: 1pm - 2pm

Sunday, October 1
Race: 11am - 1pm

TECH%20SPECS%3A%20APPLE%20WATCH%20SE%20(second%20generation)
%3Cp%3EDisplay%3A%2040mm%2C%20324%20x%20394%3B%2044mm%2C%20368%20x%20448%3B%20Retina%20LTPO%20OLED%2C%20up%20to%201000%20nits%3B%20Ion-X%20glass%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EProcessor%3A%20Apple%20S8%2C%20W3%20wireless%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ECapacity%3A%2032GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EMemory%3A%201GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPlatform%3A%20watchOS%209%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EHealth%20metrics%3A%202nd-gen%20heart%20rate%20sensor%2C%20workouts%2C%20fall%2Fcrash%20detection%3B%20emergency%20SOS%2C%20international%20emergency%20calling%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EConnectivity%3A%20GPS%2FGPS%20%2B%20cellular%3B%20Wi-Fi%2C%20LTE%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Apple%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EDurability%3A%20Water%20resistant%20up%20to%2050m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EBattery%3A%20269mAh%20Li-ion%2C%20up%20to%2018h%2C%20wireless%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ECards%3A%20eSIM%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EFinishes%3A%20Aluminium%3B%20midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%20Watch%20SE%2C%20magnetic-to-USB-C%20charging%20cable%2C%20band%2Floop%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPrice%3A%20Starts%20at%20Dh999%20(40mm)%20%2F%201%2C119%20(44mm)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
A State of Passion

Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi

Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah

Rating: 4/5

Updated: November 24, 2022, 10:45 AM