Is Jin Leaving BTS? He May Be Required to Under South Korean Law

Rumors of BTS disbanding have torn apart the hearts of ARMYs for years now, and based on political circumstances, it seems as though one of the band members could actually be leaving. The oldest member in the band, Jin, may be required to exit the band under South Korean law this year — but it hasn't been confirmed if that's actually happening.

What happened to Jin that would require his resignation? Will he actually leave the band? Stay tuned for the tea regarding the pop star's future plans for 2020. 

According to Style Caster, South Korea mandates all men between the ages of 21 and 28 years old enlist in the army for 21 months, essentially meaning that each of the band members would be required to leave BTS at some point before aging out. And since Jin, the eldest member of BTS, is now 27 years old, he will most likely have to enlist within the next year.

“As a Korean, it’s natural... and, someday, when duty calls, will be ready to respond and do our best," Jin apparently said in an interview.

It has not been confirmed if Jin has actually enlisted, but he's apparently already delayed his service, according to Seventeen, and he won't be able to delay it any further past June 2020. 

At the end of 2019, according to Newsweek, Big Hit Entertainment denied that any of BTS's band members will need to leave the band in 2020, despite the results from a major debate in September 2019 speculating if BTS could be exempt from service due to their international star status.

Apparently, the debate ruled that the members of BTS would still need to fulfill their civic duties, despite their fame and international stardom and despite the fact that South Korean athletes have been exempt from serving in the past. However, K-pop groups generally aren't exempt, and unfortunately, those who don't enlist can face serious punishment, including banned international travel.

There's still no word on whether or not BTS will be able to stay together if each of the band members are actually going to enlist in the army. Each of them could serve at different times, and potentially have other people fill in for them while they're gone. However, the band's record label, Big Hit, has not addressed this issue.

Since Jin is required to serve by June 2020, we're surprised we haven't heard any updates regarding where he is, or if he's enlisted. However, we're hoping for the best. BTS performances without Jin would be seriously lonely.

Jin may or may not have enlisted in the army, but until Big Hit sends an update on his status, it seems as though fans can assume he's still in the band. Fingers crossed Jin is still singing and dancing on stage, and doing what he loves most.