Here's how ARMY will keep busy during BTS' military service
With Kin Seouk-Jin turning 27 this year, the duty call from the military is inevitable as Korean law makes it mandatory for men between 18 and 28 to serve military.
It's no surprise that the BTS members will be away from music for a while to serve in the South Korean military, but their fans are still not able to cope up with the idea of their hiatus from music career.
With Kin Seouk-Jin turning 27 this year, the duty call from the military is inevitable as Korean law makes it mandatory for men between 18 and 28 to serve at least 21 months in the military. Jin is the oldest member of the band, and the rest of the six boys are also due to serve in the military.
Meanwhile, BTS' fanbase ARMY is trying to cope up with the news and come up with ways to engage themselves in the period. South Korean mobile gaming company Netmarble Corp. has done the groundwork for BTS' hiatus, as they are already preparing an interactive game that will allow ARMY to virtually interact with the band via exclusive photos and videos.
The game is reportedly named BTS World, and it will be an animated edition of the BTS Mobile which will use existing footage of the South Korean singers, as the Bangtan Boys will not be able to film any new footage while they are away, reports Metro.
BTS World was launched in June this year and immediately topped App Store charts in 33 countries. According to Herald Business, a special edition began production in July to compensate the time RM, Jimin, J-Hope, Suga, Jin, V and Jungkook will be in the military.
No final date for its release has been confirmed yet, but it will coincide with the members' date of enlistment. Netmarble is yet to comment on the reports.
Fans of the group have been pressing for the members to be exempted from the service on pretext of the band's service to K-pop and Korean culture, but the Ministry of Defence in South Korea has not approved the demand. Though the ministry grants exemption, these are only under special circumstances and subject to conditions.
South Korean actor Jang Dong-gun was earlier exempted from military service after he was diagnosed with pneumothorax, a rare condition that causes the patient's lungs to collapse. Actor Jo Jung-suk was also granted an exemption owing to extreme personal financial hardships.
Meanwhile, the BTS members are prepared for their military service. Jin who is likely to be called for service soon had said in a previous conversation with CBS, "As a Korean, it's natural, and someday, when duty calls we'll be ready to respond and do our best."
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