大象传媒

The world's biggest boy band BTS will be taking a break in order to complete national service for the South Korean military. In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18-28 must serve about two years. The seven BTS members had been given permission to put off starting their service until they turned 30. The oldest, Jin, is 29. He begins preparations next month after cancelling his request to delay the start of his time in the military.

Outside Source spoke to BTS fans worldwide (known as the BTS 'army') to get their reactions to the news. Meike from London says: "This is an inherent part of South Korean culture," and adds: "I support the band and decisions they've made."

Veronica from South Korea says: "I'm proud of his brave decision... we will wait for you Jin."

Dee from the Philippines says BTS "will always be our role models" and Ochre from Myanmar says: "We respect their decision and we are so proud of BTS."

(Photo: Nini Lee, a South Korean fan, poses with a photo of the K-pop boy band BTS. Credit: Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters)

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