I believe the ARMY fanbase has gone through a lot this summer in terms of BTS content and releases, but one of the biggest announcements came when we learned that Suga is the next member in line to enlist in the military (and therefore my military wife status continues). Now fans are wondering when Suga is going to the military, and if he has a specific enlistment date.
BigHit Music issued a statement on Suga in a Weverse notice on Aug. 6, saying, “We would like to inform our fans that Suga has initiated the military enlistment process by applying for the termination of his enlistment postponement.” The statement continues, “We will inform you of further updates in due course. We ask you for your continued love and support for Suga until he completes his military service and safely returns. Our company will spare no effort in providing support for our artist.”
After ending the final leg of his first solo tour, the Agust D Tour, in Seoul on Aug. 6, Suga went on Weverse live that same day. He asked ARMYs if they had a good time on the tour and if they’ve enjoyed his solo promotions from the beginning of April to now, before giving a brief message as he was ending the live. He seemed to address the BigHit statement before it came out, saying, “I think it’s a lie if I say soon. Let’s see each other in 2025. OK? Please wait a bit. 2025. I’ll see you then.” (If you weren’t already crying over this, I’m sure you are now.)
With the confirmation of his enlistment date from not only his company, but also from Suga himself, more fans are curious about the next steps and what we can expect for the next few months of his process and service term, such as his official enlistment date and addressing rumors of the possible reassignment of his position.
When is Suga’s enlistment date?
As of now, we don’t know when his enrollment date will be planned because it hasn’t been released. However, BigHit did state that they would provide fans with updates as time goes on, so it’s only a matter of time before we find out.
Previously, Jin and J-Hope’s recruitment dates were kept under wraps for fear of interfering with their entrance ceremony and transition period — as fans may cause disruption by coming to watch — but their dates were unfortunately revealed by other media sources. So it’s safe to expect that BigHit will do everything possible to ensure Suga’s safety and privacy at this time, and will present information as soon as it becomes available for the public.
Will Suga work as a public service worker?
ARMYs are still wondering if Suga’s military enlistment system will differ from that of his bandmates Jin and J-Hope, as he may not work as an active-duty soldier. Fans believe that due to having surgery on his shoulder in 2020 as a result of his injury from a serious car accident in 2012 — which Suga has been very vocal and vulnerable about in the past through his songs such as “AMYGDALA” — he may be reassigned to another position.
He may be given the opportunity to work as a public service worker, which is set up to be an alternative for individuals who may find it difficult to serve or for whom active duty is not suitable. This is mostly employed when people have a pre-existing medical condition that prevents them from doing particular activities. This topic has been discussed in the past, even as recently as December 2022, when BigHit Music issued a statement in response to reports that Suga had been assigned to serve as a public service worker at that time.
“BTS members plan to serve in the military sequentially according to their own plans,” the statement said. “It is difficult to confirm the artist’s personal information.” So it’s unclear if this is what he’ll be doing for the next 21 months (yes, serving as a public service worker is for a bit longer than serving as an active-duty soldier), but the comment doesn’t completely rule it out.