Category: BTS

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.

During his visit to Japan, BTS’s Jimin gained widespread attention for his visit to the CoCo Ichibanya branch in Shinjuku Kabukicho, Japan. Fans eager to recreate his experience at the eatery he visited shared photos of themselves in similar outfits, posing in the same spot where Jimin sat. This phenomenon turned the restaurant into a hotspot among fans.

Jimin’s Japan trip, which started on November 24, became a topic of interest when he posted a photo on Instagram from the restaurant on November 25. Fans responded by flocking to the same restaurant, wearing black berets and gray sweatshirts like Jimin, and even queuing for hours to sit at the table where he had been.

Further highlighting his impact, fans brought along CHIMMY, the beloved BT21 character associated with Jimin, and other merchandise during their visits. The trend sparked a wave of social media posts, with many fans expressing their enthusiasm and desire to visit the restaurant and replicate Jimin’s experience.

CoCo Ichibanya in Shinjuku Kabukicho

It’s quite fitting that BTS’s Jimin, a global star, visited a CoCo Ichibanya branch, as the restaurant chain itself has a strong international presence, much like the worldwide popularity of BTS. CoCo Ichibanya’s expansion across various countries in Asia and beyond mirrors the international reach and influence of BTS, making it a suitable dining choice for a member of such a globally recognized group. Jimin’s visit to the restaurant, therefore, aligns well with both his and BTS’s international status and appeal.

Located at 1-18-10 Yoshikawa Bldg. 1F, in the Kabukicho district of Shinjuku, Tokyo Prefecture, this branch holds a significant position. It is situated right in the heart of one of Tokyo’s most bustling areas. It is rated as #67 out of 801 restaurants in Kabukicho. Its menu offers a range of Japanese, Asian, and fast food options.

This branch serves both lunch and dinner and features facilities for takeout, reservations, and seating. The branch is open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. This makes it a convenient option for both locals and tourists exploring the vibrant neighborhood of Shinjuku. The restaurant’s proximity to the Kabukicho District, a famous entertainment and red-light area in Shinjuku, adds to its appeal, offering a unique dining experience amidst Tokyo’s lively urban landscape.

‘CoCo Ichi’

CoCo Ichibanya, also known as “CoCo Ichi,” is a famous Japanese restaurant chain specializing in customizable curry rice dishes. Established in Japan, it has expanded globally to countries including the United States, China, Thailand, and the UK. The chain’s appeal lies in its ability to offer personalized meals. This allows customers to choose their curry’s spice level, rice, and toppings.

The brand’s strong identity is marked by its distinctive color scheme and logo. This, in turn, contributed to the popularization of Japanese-style curry rice. This success demonstrates the global appeal of Japanese cuisine and CoCo Ichibanya’s ability to attract a diverse customer base.

With branches in several Asian countries, CoCo Ichibanya’s international presence mirrors its popularity. The expansion across Asia, including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and more, reflects the widespread appeal of its Japanese-style curry rice, catering to various tastes while maintaining its authentic culinary roots. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Jimin’s star power caused people to flock to the restaurant. Source: X/@amabile_suga.

BTS‘s SUGA, whose real name is Min Yoongi, has been making waves even while serving in the South Korean military. A Korean fan, @ku3_09, shared on X (formerly Twitter) that their boyfriend, who is training at the same facility as SUGA, witnessed the idol generously buying Pepero and water for all his teammates. 

This news thrilled the BTS fanbase, who have been eagerly awaiting updates about SUGA‘s military life. His act of kindness led them to call him the “Division Leader of the Water Tribe.” This affectionate nickname celebrates the “Haegum” singer’s generosity and leadership.

SUGA won’t have to shave his head

SUGA is believed to be serving as a social worker for his mandatory military service, a role typically given to those with complicated family situations or preexisting health problems. This comes after speculation linking his enlistment to an old shoulder injury from a traffic accident in 2012. Unlike regular soldiers, social workers don’t serve in traditional military roles but work in government offices or welfare services.

He’s required to complete three weeks of basic training, and then serve for 21 months. That’s three months more than the usual 18-month service in the South Korean Army. Social workers like him can choose to join the regular army during their tenure.

There’s a lot of talk among fans about SUGA‘s enlistment, but his agency, BigHit Music, hasn’t confirmed anything. That’s why ARMY was pleased to hear about him buying Pepero and water for his teammates. Furthermore, it’s been clarified by another fan on X that SUGA hasn’t started his military service at a base yet. He won’t have to shave his head since he’s only undergoing basic training, not full military service where head shaving is a common practice.

SUGA’s duties

The duties of social workers are categorized into camp work, day work, and night work, depending on the service sector and organization’s regulations. These roles give them a more flexible schedule compared to traditional military service, including the ability to commute, leave the house daily, and take weekends off.

Fans continue to show their unwavering support for SUGA, celebrating his new nickname and eagerly anticipating his return to the music scene. In the meantime, they can catch him on his hit talk show, Suchwita. Its next episode, featuring actor Kim Namgil as a guest, will hit YouTube on December 4. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: ARMYs worldwide were very happy to hear that SUGA seems to be thriving in the military. Source: X/@amabile_suga.

BTS members RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are reportedly enlisting within two days of each other. According to StarNews, RM and V are scheduled to enlist on December 11, while Jimin and Jungkook will follow on December 12. RM and V will enter boot camp as support or back line members, whereas Jimin and Jungkook will enlist as front line members.

In South Korea, mandatory military service requires young men to enlist in various capacities, with “front line” and “back line” soldiers serving in distinctly different environments and roles.

What’s the difference?

Front line soldiers are positioned in high-security areas, particularly near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that separates North and South Korea. Their duties are more combat-oriented and involve heightened vigilance due to the proximity to North Korea. This role is often seen as more challenging due to the demands of being in a potential conflict zone. The training for front line soldiers is rigorous, focusing on combat readiness and response to any military threats.

Back line soldiers, on the other hand, are stationed in less volatile areas. Their roles encompass a variety of non-combat duties, including administrative tasks, logistics, support functions, and technical roles. These positions are generally considered safer and less physically demanding than those on the front line. The training for back line soldiers is more oriented towards specific non-combat skills relevant to their assigned roles.

The assignment to front line or back line roles is influenced by a number of factors. These include physical fitness, skills, and the needs of the military. Some individuals might be placed in specialized units like the Air Force or Navy, where the distinction between front and back line is less pronounced but generally aligns with the back line in terms of reduced direct combat exposure.

This differentiation in roles reflects the diverse needs of the military in maintaining national security and the varied capabilities and preferences of the conscripts themselves. The experience of serving in either capacity can significantly impact the servicemen’s life, both during their service and in their post-military careers and social standing.

BTS members in the army

The four members will undergo approximately five weeks of basic military training. Afterwards, they will be active-duty soldiers for 18 months.

After the eldest member of BTS, Jin, enlisted in the army last December, j-hope followed in his footsteps last April, when he became an active-duty soldier. Meanwhile, SUGA has been serving as a social worker since September. He recently began basic training as well. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The four BTS members will be discharged in the fourth quarter of 2025. Source: X/@btspicstwt_.

RM, the leader of the global K-pop sensation BTS, recently sat down with writer Fiona Bae for 032c magazine’s Winter 2023/24 issue. Known for his introspective nature, RM delved into his search for identity, his mission in life, and the transformative power of music.

In the interview, RM candidly discussed the personal and professional challenges he has faced since releasing his latest solo album Indigo. He expressed how these experiences have led him to realize that the person he thought he was doesn’t truly exist. This revelation highlights RM‘s continuous journey of self-discovery and growth.

When asked about how he defines himself, RM‘s response was introspective. “That’s a good question. I’m not a narcissistic person and I’ve always been driven by my own insecurity. I’m a person who has so much dirt, filth, love, kindness, and consideration in me that I feel I would go insane if I didn’t bring it out candidly, into the world, in some way. And I’m a person who wants to change something, whether it’s myself, people around me, the industry, or the world. I feel like I’m born to transform something, and I think I’ve done it once with BTS.”

Music saves

RM is motivated by a strong sense of purpose. He talked about the impact of his influence and his attempts to turn his personal experiences into something universal through his art. 

“Some people question why I do it, but at the end of the day, if you don’t wear the crown, you don’t understand. It’s not a crown that I asked for, but I try to stay positive and use my influence,” he shared. “What I should do is to take the most beautiful thing about my art and turn my personal individuality into universality. It’s beautiful to see people laughing and crying because artists made their stories universal and cosmic.”

He shared a powerful moment at a concert where a fan’s emotional reaction to the music deeply impacted him. “When I went to the concert of Kim Yuna, the leader of the band Jaurim, I heard a fan screaming in tears, ‘I didn’t kill myself because of you!’ I have received positive messages about how people had benefited from my music before, but hearing this right next to me was profound. I realized music can really save people. That’s what I want to do. I couldn’t survive in BTS without that calling. If I didn’t have a calling, I’d die.”

RM on being a superstar

RM reflected on his experience as a superstar. He also touched on all the challenges that come with being in the Korean music industry, emphasizing the need for more honesty and openness.

“The other day, I happened to see the four habits of happy people on Instagram. I really hate that kind of self-help stuff. But then I realized that I was saying all the four phrases mentioned there. Perhaps I am happy. I also try to let stuff out, and I’m getting better at it, but the hardest part is the industry’s atmosphere. It’s kind of sad to admit this, but people are so conscious of others, and many see only what they want. But I’ve done this for ten to eleven years now. I think it’s the right direction to move, where people like me, with some power, are a bit more honest. It’s a time when more honesty is celebrated.”

RM‘s latest interview offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of K-pop’s most influential figures. His thoughtful reflections provide a deeper understanding of the man behind the music. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: RM always gives the best interviews because he comes up with very good answers to reporters’ questions. Source: Instagram/@rkive.

BTS‘s Jungkook, renowned for his culinary skills, recently shared his latest creation on Weverse, sparking excitement among fans. Known for his love of cooking, Jungkook posted a photo of his one-pot spaghetti pasta with Buldak seasoning, intriguing ARMY. His post gained more attention when fellow BTS member Jimin commented, playfully requesting Jungkook to prepare him dinner upon his return to Korea.

The day before, the media spotted Jimin at Seoul’s Incheon Airport, where he boarded a flight to Budapest. Coincidentally, music video director Choi Yongseok had posted on Instagram Stories that he was at a McDonald’s in Budapest. Fans theorized that he and Jimin were there to film something for an upcoming release. They also noted with interest that the “Like Crazy” hitmaker chose to undertake his project in the same country where Jungkook had filmed his new music video.

Going back to Jungkook’s Weverse post, Jimin’s comment—”Make some for hyung too when I get to Korea”—set social media abuzz. This reminded fans of when Jungkook made mak-guksu during a live broadcast, and Jimin expressed his eagerness to try it.

Cook Like Jungkook

For those inspired by Jimin and eager to taste Jungkook‘s culinary creation, here’s a reconstructed recipe for his One Pan Pasta with Buldak. This recipe includes bucatini pasta, the sauce and cheese powder from a pack of Buldak Ramen Quattro Cheese Flavor, heavy cream, butter, your choice of grated cheese, and parsley flakes for garnishing.

Begin by boiling water in a large pan. Once it’s boiling, add the bucatini pasta. Cook until it reaches an al dente texture. After the pasta is cooked, drain it, but remember to keep a cup of the pasta water for later use.

Next, using the same pan, melt some butter. Add Buldak Ramen sauce and a dash of heavy cream to this. Be mindful of the spiciness of the sauce as it can be quite intense. Stir these ingredients together until well combined. Then, add the cooked bucatini to the pan with the sauce. Toss the pasta to ensure it’s evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, use the reserved pasta water to adjust its consistency.

A simple yet delicious recipe

Now, it’s time to add the cheese. Sprinkle in the Buldak cheese powder and your choice of grated cheese. If you prefer a creamier texture, add more cream. For an extra cheesy experience, consider mixing in different types of grated cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar. Stir the mixture until the cheeses have completely melted and blended with the sauce. Before serving, adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Serve the pasta hot, garnished with parsley flakes for an added touch of color and flavor.

This simple yet delicious recipe is a testament to Jungkook‘s creativity in the kitchen. He blended Italian and Korean cuisines to create a dish that’s easy to make and delightful to taste. Whether you’re a BTS fan or a food enthusiast, this recipe is a must-try for a taste of Jungkook‘s culinary world. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The golden maknae’s creativity knows no bounds. He’s great in the recording studio and the kitchen! Source: X/@gcftgkk.

BTS‘s Jimin recently took the internet by storm with his stunning dance cover of “Stuck With U.” Known for his charismatic stage presence and fancy footwork, Jimin once again proved why he’s considered one of the top dancers in the K-pop industry.

The dance cover, uploaded on Jimin’s Instagram, features him effortlessly interpreting the song through his expressive dancing. Dressed in a simple yet stylish outfit, he manages to convey a range of emotions, from longing to joy. His every move matched the song’s mood perfectly.

Fans were quick to express their admiration for Jimin‘s performance. Social media buzzed with excitement, ARMY fans praising his ability to tell a story through dance. “Jimin‘s dance moves are like a brush painting emotions on a canvas,” one fan commented, encapsulating the sentiment of many.

Jimin worked hard

His choice of “Stuck With U,” a hit song by Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber, was particularly noteworthy. The song, known for its romantic, soothing melody, was a perfect match for his fluid movements. His cover added a new layer of meaning to the song, making it resonate even more with the audience.

Over the years, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of his art. He explored different styles of dance. When he became a trainee, he worked double time to learn hip-hop. This newest cover is another example of his commitment to improving his craft and his ability to connect with fans by creating content that resonates with them.

As BTS continues to evolve and experiment with new styles and concepts, Jimin‘s dance cover of “Stuck With U” stands out as a reminder of the group’s dedication and talents. It’s obvious that Jimin, with his exceptional skills and passion for dancing, will continue to captivate and inspire fans around the world. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: This latest cover was also captioned with the hashtag ‘#ThisIsJimin,’ like his earlier covers. Wonder what that means? Source: Instagram/@j.m.