New Delhi: The first member of BTS to sign up for South Korea's mandatory military service was Jin, and his picture from the military base appeared online. The photo of Jin staring directly into the camera while posing in front of the South Korean flag appears to have been taken for official use. When BTS fans saw the photos, they were unable to control their emotions.
Jin can be seen smiling to the camera in the viral photo, while in his uniform, which was first posted by The Camp, a website for individuals to stay informed about Koreans in the military.
Fans were overwhelmed upon seeing the photos and poured in their comments. Another video started doing the rounds on the internet at the same time where Jin looks more sombre and is seen picking up chairs with his army mates, and his face is covered in a black mask.
The video also made all his fans emotional. One of them wrote, "It’s so good to see he is doing well and looking super handsome in his uniform! ", while another fan commented, "He knew how to fulfil his work and the rules of his company, he knew how to enjoy every moment with the BTS family, now he is fulfilling his duty as a Korean citizen and although it clearly hurts us, we must be proud of him and each of the boys who, as well as he put his personal life aside to enlist in the army. "
However, some fans did not like this as they felt that the pictures are violating the idol’s privacy. Jin is currently serving his 18-month military service at the Division Recruit Training Center, Yeoncheon army base in northern Gyeonggi province. He will return on June 12, 2024.
BTS' agency Big Hit released a statement cautioning fans against visiting the training camp. The statement read, “In order to prevent safety accidents caused by on-site congestion, Jin will enter the grounds of the recruit training centre while in a vehicle without greeting the media or fans separately. Due to the nature of the venue, we ask for your understanding that there is no separate waiting space for reporters. The agency will not spare its efforts and continued support until the day Jin fulfils his military service duties and returns in good health. Thank you.”
Soon after Jin, other BTS members would also sign up for the 18-month millitary service. BTS is expected to return around 2025. Recently, a new BTS movie, BTS: Yet to Come in Cinemas was announced which will hit the theatres across the globe from February 1.