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
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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. -
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. -
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 has a sign asking Jin to marry her. -
Fans in Argentina show their support for BTS. -
Fans hold up photos and posters for Jin. -
Argentinian fans of Jin pose with a flag made specifically for him. -
BTS fans show off their signs ahead of the concert. -
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
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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 -
Luna rehearsing. 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 -
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
