On February 29, 2024, fans learned that BTS members Jimin, Jungkook, RM, and V earned promotions to Private First Class in the South Korean military. X (formerly Twitter) user @jaya20dec broke the news in a now-viral post. It highlights the significant progress the four have made since their enlistment in December 2023.
RM and V underwent basic training at the Nonsan Training Center, where they were recognized as elite soldiers of their graduating batch. RM was assigned to the 15th Infantry Division in Hwacheon, Gangwon-do, and is currently playing the saxophone in the military band. Meanwhile, after an additional three-week stint at the Army General Administration School, V was assigned to the “Ssangyong Unit” in the 2nd Corps of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Army, which falls under the Ground Operations Command.
BTS’s Jimin and Jungkook enlisted together under the buddy system (“동반입대” or dongbanipdae). Initially, both went to the 5th Infantry Division, where fellow BTS member Jin is serving. But after a more detailed second classification, Jimin and Jungkook were reassigned to an artillery battalion.
Military ranks of South Korea 2024 #koreanarmy #대한민국
From ‘ideungbyeon’ to ‘ildeungbyeong’
After completing almost three months in their respective units, the BTS members were promoted to Private First Class (“일등병” or ildeungbyeong) from Private (“이등병” or ideungbyeong). In the South Korean military, supervisors can request the promotion of recruits to Private First Class within one year of their enlistment. For the BTS members, their promotions took effect on March 1, 2024.
The South Korean military is a comprehensive and structured organization with a clear hierarchy. This hierarchy divides ranks into several groups, including commissioned officers, enlisted personnel, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and warrant officers. Each has specific roles, responsibilities, and promotion criteria.
Progression typically starts from Private and advances through ranks such as Private First Class, Corporal (“상등병” or sangdeungbyeong), and Sergeant (“병장” or byeongjang). Promotions are based on factors like time in service, performance, and passing specific tests. But the exact criteria can vary by military branch and its needs. The military emphasizes continuous training and development programs to prepare personnel for increased responsibilities.
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Fans expressed pride upon learning about the promotions of Jimin, Jungkook, RM, and V. Currently, j-hope is a Corporal, which is a rank above Private First Class. Speaking of which, rumors are swirling that Jimin has just become eligible for a promotion to Corporal. Meanwhile, Jin holds the highest rank within the group as a Sergeant in the 5th Division.
All seven BTS members will be back from the military in June 2025. After their discharge, they plan to resume group activities. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: The boys are killing it in the military, and ARMYs couldn’t be prouder. Source: X/@BTSMalaysia.