BTS’ Suga begins military service this week

BTS star Suga is set to begin his military service in South Korea, and it seems the group’s dedicated ARMY fan base needs to give him some space.

Bighit Music, the group’s label, announced in a press release on Monday that Suga – the second oldest member of BTS – would begin his “required duty” on Friday. The tag read: “There will be no official events” that would mark the start of his recruitment or his first day of training camp.

“We kindly ask fans not to visit SUGA at his workplace during his official hours,” he said Statement continued. Fans have before gathered at military bases to say goodbye to BTS members.

Bighit added, “Please convey your warm greetings and encouragement in your heart only.”

Last month, Bighit announced that 30-year-old Suga had taken steps to lift his hiring deferment.

Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35 must complete approximately 18 months of military service. The seven BTS members are between 25 and 30 years old. Bighit Music announced in October 2022 that BTS members would be joining the Army.

“BIGHIT MUSIC has focused on the milestone where it would be possible to respect the needs of the country and enable these healthy young men to serve their countrymen, and that is now,” the label said in an October statement.

To help the BTS stars fulfill their mandatory duty, Bighit also said that the musicians will take a break from group work and devote themselves to solo efforts. BTS will reunite in 2025, Bighit said in October.

Suga, born Min Yoon-gi, is the third BTS artist to fulfill his military obligation. In December 2022, the oldest BTS member, Jin, was the first to start recruiting.

According to the Associated PressJin and then-new conscripts took part in five weeks of basic military training at the base, which included rifle shooting, grenade throwing and marching drills.

J Hope, 29, began service in April.

With several BTS members now serving in the South Korean military, Bighit urged loyal fans to be on the lookout for “unauthorized tours or package products that illegally use the artist’s intellectual property” and said it would take “appropriate action” against such make efforts.

“We ask for your continued love and support for SUGA until he completes his service and returns,” the statement concluded. “Our company will continue to strive to provide him with any support he needs during this time.”

Times staff writer Jonah Valdez contributed to this report.