Category: BTS

BTS‘s Jin has recently been recognized for his outstanding military service with an early promotion to the rank of Sergeant. On December 4, Jin shared a heartfelt message on the fan community platform Weverse, expressing his gratitude to BTS‘s loyal fandom, the ARMY, for their birthday wishes. He conveyed his sadness at being unable to celebrate with a live broadcast as usual. Jin stated, “Even though we can’t be together, I hope you’re having a good time in your hearts.”

Jin reflected on his military journey, noting, “Already one year has passed since I joined the military. Although there’s still more time left until I return, I’m already excited thinking that I will return soon, since only 1/3 of the military service is left for me.” He ended by thanking everyone for their birthday wishes and proudly announcing his promotion. “With outstanding military service, I’ve been promoted again, and I’m currently Sergeant Kim Seokjin (important).”

His first promotion was to the rank of Corporal. He achieved it two months earlier than expected, in recognition of his diligence and athleticism. Jin also earned the “Special Class Warrior” title, given to those who demonstrate exceptional physical endurance and mental fortitude. It’s also given to those who excel in various military training aspects, including shooting and physical fitness.

Later, Jin was promoted again, this time to the rank of Sergeant. Again, he achieved this earlier than expected. A sergeant in the 5th Infantry Division of the South Korean army has specific  responsibilities within this unit. 

Sergeant Jin in the 5th Infantry Division

The 5th Infantry Division, also known as “The Key Division,” is an integral part of the Republic of Korea Army and has been active since April 29, 1948. Stationed in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province, it forms part of the V Corps of the Republic of Korea Army.

As a frontline division, the 5th Infantry Division is responsible for guarding the General Outpost (GOP) and Guard Post (GP) of Yeoncheon County in Gyeonggi Province. It’s an important area, considering its proximity to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. A sergeant’s role in this division blends leadership, operational management, training, administrative responsibilities, and the maintenance of discipline and standards. This position involves leading and supervising lower-ranked soldiers, ensuring that they effectively execute their tasks while adhering to military protocols.

The division has various specialized battalions and companies. These include an Engineer Battalion, Maintenance Battalion, Supply & Transport Battalion, Reconnaissance Battalion, Armored Battalion, and others. This implies that sergeants could serve in a variety of roles depending on their specific assignment. Given the strategic importance and history of the 5th Infantry Division, sergeants serving in this unit play a crucial role in maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of the South Korean Army in a key defensive region of the country.

These promotions reflect Jin‘s commitment and hard work during his military service, as well as his ability to meet and exceed the rigorous standards of the South Korean military. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BTS’s eldest member is killing it in the South Korean military. Sources: X/@Larasati004 and X/@UniverSeokJINie.

An exhibit in honor of BTS member Jin took place over three days, from December 1 to 3, 2023. His fans held the event at the HiKR Ground in the Korea Tourism Organization’s Seoul office. It’s located at 40 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul. It was one of the biggest fan-organized events in the world, befitting Jin’s superstar status. 

The exhibit took up three floors. Fans received free entry and special gifts at the door. It featured tall electronic panels that bore a Christmas theme, as well as images of the BTS member affectionately known as “Worldwide Handsome.” Fans could take photos with these panels and explore a space-themed room, a nod to Jin’s love for space.

His hyung (older brother) attended the event, revealing that Jin, who is still serving in the military, had asked him to do so in his stead. “Came back from visiting the exhibition event the fans arranged for my dongsaeng‘s birthday. On behalf of our family, I’d like to say thank you to the people who have put together this amazing place with a lot of effort. My dongsaeng, who is currently in the military base and would have difficulty traveling, asked me to attend and convey thanks on his behalf. So I’m relaying it through this post. Thank you,” Jin’s brother wrote on Instagram.

Jin thanked fans on Weverse

Jin, who just celebrated his first birthday as a soldier, expressed his gratitude to fans in a message. “Thank you very much to everyone who wished me a happy birthday. I usually do live streams with ARMY on my birthday, but I can’t this year. That breaks my heart,” he shared on Weverse. He reassured fans that although he can’t be with them right now, he’s thinking of them.

Reflecting on his time in the South Korean military, Jin conveyed his excitement to reunite with fans when he’s discharged next year. “There’s still a lot of time left, but I’m already excited to be with you,” Jin continued in his note to fans. “Oh, and our members are going to join the army. I hope that time passes quickly and I can have a good time with the members and the ARMYs.”

His mandatory military service began on December 13, 2022 and he’s due to return in June 2024. This news has sent the group’s devoted followers into an online frenzy, eagerly awaiting his return. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: If Jin could’ve gone himself, he would’ve. Sources: X/@Elizabe68310078 and @jinnieslamp.

N.Flying’s Yoo Hwe Seung has recently released a new original soundtrack (OST) for the Naver webtoon What I Decided to Die For. The track, titled “Love Me Baby,” became available on streaming platforms starting 6:00 PM on the 30th.

“Love Me Baby” is an urban rock song with a strong guitar foundation, featuring Yoo Hwe Seung’s intense vocal lines and a vibrant band sound that enhances the song’s progression and climax. The lyrics, reflecting the depth of the character Cha Gyeol, grow more intense towards the end, with Yoo Hwe Seung’s powerful voice adding to the emotional impact. Key lines include “I’m circling the universe for you. I can never leave,” and “If you see me somewhere, please don’t look away.”

Following the first OST “n-th Universe,” which was about the love story of Cha Gyeol and Ji Oh, “Love Me Baby” sets Cha Gyeol’s deep emotions to music. Released after the webtoon’s finale, the song adds a new dimension to the narrative. Both new readers and those familiar with the webtoon’s ending will appreciate the song.

[MV] 유회승 (엔플라잉) – Love Me Baby

Yoo Hwe Seung: The voice behind the music

Yoo Hwe Seung, a South Korean singer, songwriter, and musical theater actor, is the main vocalist of N.Flying. He began his journey in the music industry with FNC Entertainment in 2016, and gained popularity on the survival show Produce 101 Season 2.

After his appearance on Produce 101 Season 2, where he ranked 39th, Yoo Hwe Seung joined N.Flying and debuted with the group in August 2017. His work extends beyond N.Flying, as he has recorded OSTs for the K-dramas Criminal Minds and Hwayugi. Born in Seoul, Yoo Hwe Seung stands at 175 cm and weighs 62 kg, and has three older sisters.

Yoo Hwe Seung is an influential figure in the South Korean music industry. He recently completed N.Flying’s Forest of Travelers tour and played the lead in the musical Mozart!. He is also known for his exceptional vocal talent, appearing in shows like King of Mask Singer and My Ears’ Candy.

[Webtoon MV] Yoo Hwe-seung (N.Flying)

A tale of love and turmoil

What I Decided to Die For was created by YUJU. Launched on December 6, 2021, and updated weekly on Tuesdays, it quickly earned a massive following. It was best known for its depiction of the male lead and its themes of drama, mystery, and psychological challenges.

The story revolved around Ji Oh, a high school senior dealing with late puberty and an injury before a major Taekwondo competition, and Cha Gyeol, a mysterious yet charming boy. Their relationship, marked by the latter’s “bad boy with a good heart” image, unfolded amidst emotional and challenging situations. That drew readers into a world of deep romance and self-discovery.

What I Decided to Die For explored life’s unexpected twists and turns. It offered a narrative that was both engaging and thought-provoking, making a strong impression on its readers. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: His passionate vocals complement the webtoon’s emotional scenes. Source: YouTube/@vlending.

Kim Taehyung, also known as V from BTS, has joined the Special Duty Team (SDT) of the Army’s Capital Defense Command for his military service. The SDT is an elite military police unit involved in counter-terrorism. It handles violent crimes, carries out special operations in cities, and captures armed deserters.

V went through a tough selection process for the SDT, which demands high intelligence and more. His application included document checks, interviews, and physical tests. He applied in late August and early September, was interviewed in October, and got accepted later that month. He’ll be enlisting in a few days.

From BTS member to ‘Captain’

As news of V’s application for the SDT spread, fans started referring to him as “Captain” on social media. They also expressed shock and admiration that he decided to do something so daring. V’s decision is another way he’s contributing to his country, adding to the pride he has already brought to South Korea as a global celebrity.

V will report to the Nonsan Training Center on December 11 for basic military training, after which he will be assigned to his respective unit. His enlistment is part of the BTS members’ broader enlistment process. Jin, the group’s oldest member, began his military service on December 13, 2022. j-hope followed by enlisting on April 18, 2023, and SUGA started his enlistment on September 22, 2023. Meanwhile, RM, Jimin, and Jungkook, will join the army very soon too.

South Korea Army (Capital Defense Command) SGT Demo

The history and role of the SDT

The SDT is a distinguished Special Forces unit within the South Korean military, primarily responsible for conducting counter-terrorist operations. Its function is similar to the National Police Agency’s Special Operations Unit (SOU). The SDT, as an elite military police unit, specializes in counter-terrorism, responding to violent crimes, arresting armed deserters within the military, conducting special operations, and executing mobile strikes in urban areas. The unit’s motto, “Protecting the Republic of Korea!” signifies its dedication to national security.

Established in the 1990s in response to increasing threats from North Korea, the SDT’s primary role includes maintaining security and order within military barracks, serving as gate guards, and guarding checkpoints to watch for intruders. The unit has motorized units, such as motorcycles and other police vehicles, for patrolling assigned areas. The SDT, as a special operations team within the military police, exemplifies South Korea’s military’s adaptive and responsive approach to evolving security challenges. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: BTS’s V cut a dashing figure in CELINE’s latest posts. Source: X/@btspicstwt_.

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.