Just a day after completing his mandatory military service in South Korea, Jin, the eldest member of the immensely popular K-pop group BTS, is gearing up to share hugs with 1,000 fans.
Jin, who commenced his training in December 2022, was discharged from the army on Wednesday, making him the first BTS member to fulfill his military duty. The interruption in his career was necessitated by South Korea’s mandatory military service requirement, which typically spans 18 months for physically fit men once they reach the age of 28.
However, a legislation passed by the South Korean parliament in 2020 allows pop stars and individuals excelling in popular culture and art to defer their military duty until the age of thirty. Expressing relief and gratitude for his experience during his service, Jin, now 31, remarked from the headquarters of BTS’ management company HYBE during a livestream on the fan platform Weverse.
Jin will make his public appearance on Thursday at the Seoul Fest event, which celebrates South Korean entertainment, culture, and its renowned exports like K-pop, K-beauty, and Korean cuisine. The event, bustling with stalls and activities, drew fans from around the world, including Ashley Stoudnour from Florida and Holly Campbell from Melbourne, Australia.
Although not all fans received a hug opportunity, they expressed unwavering support for Jin and BTS. Kim Yoon-jeong showcased her artwork featuring digitally painted pictures of BTS members and plush dolls, one dressed in a military uniform. Purple, symbolizing the band’s enduring bond with fans, was evident in various aspects of the event, inspired by member V’s description.
Despite not securing a hug, fans like Michelle Pedraza from California were enthusiastic about witnessing Jin’s performance. BTS, since their debut in 2013, has attained global superstar status with numerous accolades, including Billboard Music awards, recognition from Time magazine, American Music Awards, and a Grammy nomination in 2021. Their influence extends beyond music, with members being regarded as fashion icons globally.
