The world-renowned K-pop group BTS is going on hiatus. The group’s agency, BigHit Music, announced last week that the group will serve its mandated military service in South Korea and is expected to reconvene in 2025.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to serve in the army, navy or air force for at least 18 months by age 28. The conscription system allows for some exceptions for athletes and artists who represent their country globally. However, BTS has made the decision to fulfill its service.
To K-pop fans at the University of Maryland, this announcement sets an expectation for other K-pop groups nearing their required military service term.
Senior linguistics major, Gianca Bonilla, started listening to K-pop in 2014 and is witnessing how this news might change the game for K-pop groups.
“It sets a big precedent,” Bonilla said. “They were the first…
