Will BTS disband after military enlistment? 4 K-pop groups that made successful comebacks after mandatory service, from BigBang and Super Junior to Shinee and 2PM

Oct 18 , 2022

All BTS members will do mandatory military service, Hybe just announced. Photo: @bts.bighitofficial/Instagram

Hybe just announced that BTS will serve South Korea’s compulsory military service starting with eldest member Jin at the end of 2022, with V, Suga, RM, Jimin, Jungkook and J-Hope to follow

Some argue that celebrities should be exempt from the rule like athletes and classical musicians can – but not all K-pop idol groups disband after completing their enlistment …

BTS’ military enlistment plans have finally been revealed, with Hybe announcing on October 17 that all members of the South Korean supergroup will serve their compulsory military time, starting with eldest member Jin at the end of the year.

“The members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfil their military service. Group member Jin will initiate the process as soon as his schedule for his solo release is concluded at the end of October. Other members of the group plan to carry out their military service based on their own individual plans,” the entertainment company announced. Hybe is the parent company of the Big Hit Music label, to which BTS is signed.

Hybe just announced that all seven BTS members will serve their compulsory military enlistment. Photo: @bts.bighitofficial/Instagram

According to Allkpop, South Korea’s Military Service Act stipulates that persons with special skills in the fields of arts and sports may be given an extension or exemption from service. The Korea Times reported that this honour is typically bestowed upon athletes or classical musicians, and not K-pop idols.

However, many – including South Korean lawmaker Kim Young-bae – have been calling for K-pop celebrities to be exempted from military service. “Korean pop celebrities active in the international field make unimaginable economic and social contributions … I believe pop celebrities will make important contributions to the national interest,” Kim said in the same report.

BTS is one of the best-known South Korean boy bands today. Photo: @bts.bighitofficial/Instagram

For many K-pop boy bands, military enlistment can mean the end of the group, as being away from the public eye can result in loss of popularity. Many groups choose to disband or not to renew their contracts instead of trying to take another shot at regaining their fame.

However, there are a few bands that have taken years off for military service but had well-received comebacks. Will BTS follow in the footsteps of these groups?

1. Super Junior

Super Junior is also a massively popular K-pop group. Photo: @superjunior/Instagram

One of SM Entertainment’s most popular boy groups, Super Junior went on hiatus for 10 whole years so that all members could complete their military service, according to Koreaboo. In 2019, the group reunited for its “Super Show 8” concert and thanked their fans for waiting patiently for its comeback. The group remains active today, even releasing its 11th album, The Road: Keep on Going in July.