JIMIN, RM, V and Jungkook of K-pop powerhouse BTS have officially started their mandatory military duties, joining their other bandmates Jin, Suga and J-Hope.
But before temporarily leaving the music scene, Jimin has prepared a special treat for their fans, collectively known as ARMY, during the holiday season.
BIGHIT MUSIC, the boy group’s record label, announced yesterday that the vocalist and dancer will drop a digital single called “Closer Than This,” on Friday, December 22, at 2 p.m. (KST).
Describing the song in a Weverse post, BIGHIT MUSIC said it was a “heartfelt fan song that encapsulates Jimin’s genuine feelings for ARMY.”
“As we approach the final days of 2023, we hope that ‘Closer Than This,’ with its lyrics conveying Jimin’s love and affection for his fans, will bring you hope and warmth,” it added.
The new single announcement followed the release of Jimin’s debut solo album “Face” in March. The album consists of six tracks: “Face-off,” “Interlude: Dive,” “Like Crazy,” “Alone,” “Set Me Free Pt.2,” and “Like Crazy (English Version).”
In April, he made history as the first South Korean solo artist to land on the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, with his song “Like Crazy.”
Military enlistment
Jimin and Jungkook were the last two BTS members to enlist in the military, following RM and V.
On December 12, before commencing their military duties, Jimin and Jungkook posted on X (formerly Twitter) a photo of them together touching each other’s shaved heads.
They were sent off by Suga and J-Hope, as seen in another picture.
The duo also bid farewell to ARMY, with Jungkook penning a letter to them on Weverse.
“Thank you so much for supporting my dream and walking with me silently. I’m careful to tell you to wait for me while I’m in the military. A year and a half is a long time, so I can’t say anything selfish,” said the youngest member.
He then assured the fans, “I promise that I’ll be back on stage with a more mature side where I always am.”
Meanwhile, Jimin promised that he would return safely.
According to South Korean law, all able-bodied Korean men aged 18 to 28 are mandated to serve in the military for at least 18 months. But a revised law allows “those who excel in popular culture and art” to postpone their service until the age of 30.
The septet is set to reunite in 2025 after they complete their military service.
While fans await BTS’ return, they can look back to the group’s 10-year journey as pop icons through their docuseries “BTS Monuments: Beyond The Star,” which is now available on Disney+.
