SEOUL – Jungkook, a member of K-pop supergroup BTS, said on Nov 22 he would begin military service in December, after the group's management agency said that all members of the septet were on track to carry out their service.

BTS are on a temporary break as a group and three of its seven members are currently doing South Korea’s mandatory military service.

On Nov 22, BTS’ management agency said the remaining four – RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook – have begun the process of military enlistment.

“This coming December... I’m leaving you for a short while to serve in the military,” Jungkook said in a separate message to fans on Nov 22. “After I return, I promise that I will be where I always am, on stage – having grown.”

With this, all seven members are expected to complete their service by mid-2025, analysts said.

Hybe, parent of BTS’ management agency, benefits by BTS members’ staggering enlistments and solo activities, allowing members who have served earlier to be active while others are away. REUTERS