Author: Kpop News Writer

BTS members Jin, Jimin, and Jungkook might meet up in the South Korean military, specifically in the 5th Division. Ilgan Sports reports that Jimin and Jungkook, who will enlist on December 12, are joining the 10th company in this division. Jin, already an instructor in the 11th company of the same division, won’t train them directly since they are in different groups. But they might still see each other occasionally because they’re in the same larger division.

The 5th Division is one of 21 military divisions in South Korea. It’s a large unit made up of smaller groups called companies. Jin is in charge of one such group, the 11th company. Jimin and Jungkook will be in a different group.

BTS members’ recruitment and selection process

This situation came about after South Korea’s Military Manpower Administration announced openings for soldiers in December. The 5th Division, which doesn’t have many spots, initially offered only 50 places for soldiers. The application period was from August 29 to September 5, with more selections in September and October. They later added 38 more spots in the 5th Division.

On the other hand, the recruitment for j-hope’s 36th Division will happen in either November 2023 or March 2024. This shows that different military divisions have their own schedules for recruiting. A big part of getting selected is the competition rate—how many people applied versus how many spots are available. For example, the 5th Division’s rate was 2.5:1 in 2020. For every spot available in the division, there were 2.5 applicants competing for it. Divisions with higher competition rates are usually seen as better places to serve because more people want to join them. People usually pick a division based on this rate.

Korean 5th division song

Historical significance of the 5th division

The 5th Division, also known as “The Key Division,” is famous for its role in the Korean War. It was formed early in the war and was crucial in many battles, affecting the war’s outcome and Korea’s future. The division is mainly in the northern part of South Korea, close to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), which is a buffer zone that separates North and South Korea. This area is known for its strict security measures and absence of military forces. The 5th Division plays a key role in watching for and defending against threats from the North. This shows how important the 5th Division is to South Korea’s defense.

For the BTS members, joining the 5th Division is a chance to show their commitment, both individually and as a group, similar to what they do in their music. By joining, they continue the BTS story and become part of their country’s proud military history. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin posted this photo of him, Jin, and Jungkook for Jin’s birthday this year. Source: Instagram/@j.m.

BTS’s Jimin and Jungkook have signed up for the South Korean military’s “동반입대” (dongbanipdae) or buddy system. It’s a unique program that allows soldiers to enlist with close friends or relatives, receive training together, and be assigned to the same residential unit. This system was introduced in 2003 by the Military Manpower Administration and the Army. It’s designed to help soldiers adapt to military life, boost morale, and contribute to combat readiness.

Applying for the buddy system

To be eligible for the buddy system, one must be between 18 to 28 years old and meet certain fitness standards, specifically falling within grades 1 to 4 in the South Korean military’s physical examination. As of March 2021, there are no specific educational requirements to apply. However, applicants are restricted from participating if they have already applied to other military branches, like the Air Force or Navy, or have requested alternative service.

Interested parties can submit applications through the Military Manpower Administration’s website. Each applicant must complete their own application, and only those with genuine relationships can apply. Misuse of the system for early enlistment can lead to disqualification.

The selection process does not involve additional documents or interviews; it’s primarily based on a computerized lottery. Applicants can be disqualified for reasons related to physical fitness or criminal records. Also, if one person in a buddy pair is disqualified, both are disqualified.

Advantages and disadvantages

For their service, those in the buddy system will be assigned to units within the same living area, typically in Gangwon or Gyeonggi provinces. Specific training units include six divisions in Gangwon and nine in Gyeonggi. Enlistment notifications are provided through email or the Military Manpower Administration’s website.

The buddy system offers significant advantages, such as enlisting and training together on the same day, which provides recruits with emotional and moral support. This approach is particularly helpful for those apprehensive about adjusting to military life, as having a familiar face around can make the experience less daunting and isolating. It enables recruits to share experiences, tackle challenges, and adapt to military routines together, easing the transition from civilian life.

However, there are some disadvantages, such as the likelihood of being assigned to front-line areas. Moreover, while trainees may start together, there’s no guarantee that they’ll continue to serve in the same unit throughout their time in the military. Finally, being in such close proximity to each other can also reveal negative aspects of each other’s personalities, affecting relationships.

Jimin and Jungkook chose to enlist together

There’s a rumor going around that Jungkook had to join the military with someone because of his tattoos, and that’s why he and Jimin enlisted together. But that’s not true. In the past, people with tattoos were given different roles in the military, but that changed in 2020. Nowadays, those with tattoos can join the regular military. There are a few jobs they can’t do, like special missions or being a teaching assistant, and having visible tattoos may make it harder for officers to get promoted. But for BTS, who are serving as regular soldiers, this doesn’t matter.

Jimin and Jungkook chose to enlist together. This choice was their own and no one else’s. It shows they really wanted to be there for each other during their military service. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This way, they’ll be able to support each other while serving. Source: Quora.