SEOUL, South Korea. Suga, a prominent member of the globally acclaimed K-pop sensation BTS, embarked on his mandatory military service on Friday, adopting the role of a social service agent, a unique alternative form of military duty in South Korea.
At the age of 30, Suga becomes the third BTS member to initiate his military obligations. His fellow bandmates, Jin and J-Hope, are already serving in active roles at army bases.
In a heartfelt message shared on the online fan platform Weverse, Suga expressed his commitment, saying, “I’ll faithfully serve and come back… Please stay healthy, and let’s all meet again in 2025!”
BTS’s management agency, Big Hit Music, confirmed that Suga has since commenced his work in accordance with South Korea’s alternative military service system.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men are mandated to serve in the army, navy, or air force for a duration ranging from 18 to 21 months under the conscription system, which was established to address threats from neighboring North Korea. However, individuals with physical or mental health issues have the option to fulfill their duties at non-military facilities such as welfare centers, community service centers, and post offices for a period of 21 months.
Local media speculates that Suga’s assignment to alternative service may be linked to a shoulder surgery he underwent in 2020, which could affect his suitability for conventional military service.
While active-duty soldiers must undergo five weeks of basic military training at boot camps, those performing alternative service are subject to three weeks of basic training, with the flexibility to choose the timing of this training, as outlined by the Military Manpower Administration.
The specific facility where Suga is stationed for his alternative service remains undisclosed. In a statement released earlier this week, BTS’s management agency, Big Hit Music, urged fans to refrain from visiting the artist at his workplace during the duration of his service, emphasizing the importance of privacy and security.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
