BTS’ Suga starts basic military training

Suga of K-pop group BTS has started his basic military training, which will last for three weeks at Nonsan training center.

According to Korean media outlet Dispatch, his agency BIGHIT Music said he has entered the military camp in Nonsan. "According to the system of [starting] service in advance, Suga began his work first. He enlisted in the recruit training center today," his management said in a phone call.

The K-pop idol started his military service in September 2023 and has been working as a social service agent for six months. Dispatch reported that he will push through with his service after military training.

Suga is set to be discharged from the military in June next year.

The rest of BTS are currently serving in the military, with Jin starting his mandatory service in December 2022 and J-Hope in April 2023. In November last year, BIGHIT Music confirmed that RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have initiated their military enlistment process.

According to South Korean laws, "those who are healthy enough to perform active or supplementary service are to be enlisted for active duty service, supplementary service, or the wartime labor service, based on their qualifications, such as educational background and age."

BTS is widely considered South Korea's biggest-ever cultural phenomenon, selling out stadiums worldwide, dominating the charts, raking in billions, and building a global legion of fans known as ARMY. According to the Guinness World Records, they are the "most popular group in the world." They are best known for their hit songs Dynamite, Butter, and FAKE LOVE, among others.

All seven members have renewed their contracts with BIGHIT and are set to have a comeback in 2025.