Category: LATEST STORIES

BTS‘ SUGA is set to embark on a unique journey for his mandatory military service in South Korea, taking on a role as a social worker. This decision has sparked conversations among fans and netizens alike, shedding light on the challenges faced by the artist over the years.

In December 2022, rumors were rife that instead of being an active-duty soldier, the BTS member might be allowed to serve as a social worker in a government office. This wasn’t a complete surprise to ARMY, given the rapper’s medical history. Fans know SUGA used to feel continued pain from an old shoulder injury. He even referenced this pain in his 2016 song “마지막 (The Last),” a track off his first mixtape.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmHtTLb8-wU

The Last @ D-DAY tour in New York (Day 2) 2023 [ENG SUB] [Full HD]

SUGA‘s shoulder issues date back to 2012, before his debut with BTS. Diagnosed with a dislocated shoulder in 2013, he received a more severe diagnosis in 2019: torn cartilage near his left shoulder joint. Poor SUGA suffered many symptoms, including the inability to raise his arms high and sudden bouts of pain. 

Despite treatment, his symptoms persisted, affecting his performances and daily life. Eventually, he decided that surgery was the best option, both for his upcoming mandatory military service and his post-service musical career.

SUGA, the social worker

However, military authorities have clarified that even if someone is designated as a social worker, they can choose to become an active-duty soldier if they want to. At first, BigHit Music refused to confirm their artist’s plans. But it has since come to light that he’ll enlist as a social worker. Stars like actor Yoo Seung-ho and Super Junior member Heechul elected to go this route due to various reasons, from injuries to mental health challenges.

SUGA will begin social service work on September 22. This role is similar to a regular job, allowing him to work in various settings, from social welfare facilities to state institutions. Unlike his fellow BTS members j-hope and Jin, who enlisted as active-duty soldiers, SUGA can go home after every shift.

Korean netizens say this arrangement allows him to write and record new music while completing his military service, but he’s not allowed to release anything until after he’s discharged. SUGA also has to complete a three-week military training period, after which he’ll go back to being a social worker. However, no specific date for this training period has been set.

While his enlistment might be different from the traditional path, his dedication to his country and his music remains unwavering. ARMY worldwide send their love and support, eagerly awaiting SUGA’s return to the stage in 2025. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: Here’s what will happen to SUGA. Source: Twitter/@BangtanStyling.

On September 17, 2023, the airwaves of iHeart Radio’s 1035 KISS FM were filled with anticipation as BTS‘ Jungkook joined Brady for an intimate conversation. Sporting blue denims and a crisp white t-shirt, coupled with a short hairstyle, Jungkook’s presence was magnetic. Though the interview was relatively short at just eight minutes, it was packed with revelations that have since become talking points among the BTS fandom.

It’s no secret that fans miss seeing BTS as a full group. Despite his success as a soloist, Jungkook feels the same way. When asked what he misses about the members, his words, filled with emotion, resonated deeply with fans everywhere.

Brady Talks to Jung Kook of BTS Talk About New Song ‘Seven’

“Of course, each member has his own trait, so I could say what I miss about each of them,” he said, “But more than that, as I worked on my solo project, I missed all the moments we shared together. For example, staying in the waiting room even though we were all doing our own thing. When I went to SUGA-hyung’s concert, and when I performed solo on stage, I just thought that I want to be on stage with all our members. Or I want to hang out with them in the waiting room. I really miss those ordinary moments. I hope that day comes back very soon.”

The conversation took a lighter turn as Jungkook talked about his TikTok. Chuckling, he shared, “It was unexpected. But now that ARMY and many others found my account, I might use it officially. As you know, everything is fast on TikTok. So I can use it to learn what’s trending. I don’t want to get behind in trends. So maybe? I’d assume you will be seeing more from me on TikTok!”

Jungkook reignited fans’ hopes

On the topic of his newfound passion for cooking, Jungkook revealed, “I watched numerous cooking videos online. I tried the recipes, and it naturally became my hobby.” However, after indulging a tad too much, he’s now more diet-conscious.

Discussing his aspirations as a solo artist, Jungkook expressed a desire to showcase his identity and explore different genres and styles. “First of all, it’s a bit contradictory. So, I think it’s important to have a distinct color, but I also want to show various colors as a singer. Genre, style, whatever lyrics, whatever voice, I really want to try various things. So, I wonder how far I can go, and I want to challenge myself. I’m curious.”

Finally, when asked about ARMY, the global fanbase that ardently supports BTS, Jungkook‘s words were deeply touching. “I’d describe them as a ray of light. But it’s more of a feeling than an image. I’d say it’s love, but it’s much bigger than that. When I was going through hard times, I was able to get back on my feet because I had ARMY by my side. So that’s why I can say they’re a ray of light.”

In this revealing convo, Jungkook not only shared his personal journey and feelings about BTS but also reignited the hope of millions of fans eagerly awaiting their return. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: The interview didn’t last very long, but eight minutes was all Jungkook needed to bare his soul for the KISS FM audience. Source: YouTube/@1035KISSFM.

BTS‘ SUGA, known for his deep connection with fans, recently held a live Weverse session, marking his final interaction before embarking on his military service journey on September 22. The session was filled with emotions, updates, and a glimpse into SUGA‘s life.

(All SUB) SUGA🔴LIVE [goodbye to armys before military]

“I think it’s been about forty days since I last came here. I gained a bit of weight. I’ve been eating well and resting. I guess I haven’t really been resting. I’ve been filming a lot. I came to show that I am alive!” SUGA shared with fans. Sporting a noticeably shorter hairstyle, he added, “Anyways, I’m not used to my hair! It’s been a while since I’ve had such short hair. The staff didn’t recognize me! They asked me, ‘Who are you?’”

Diving deeper into his recent activities, SUGA revealed why he kept a low profile after wrapping up his world tour. The last time ARMY saw him before this live broadcast was at its three-day finale in Seoul last month. “I never was in that much pain after a tour, but this time, my body hurt so much I couldn’t get up! So I rested for two weeks after the concert. Then Taehyung‘s album came out, and I didn’t want to distract from that. I also spent time with the members. The next thing I knew, one month went by!”

SUGA reassured fans

With two members off in the military, BTS hasn’t performed as a full group in quite some time. But the others kept fans entertained with their solo work. For ARMY, SUGA’s talk show has been a real highlight of this period in the septet’s career. While he won’t be able to film new Suchwita episodes until he’s discharged, he assured fans that he prepared plenty of content to tide them over until his return.

As the broadcast neared its end, SUGA‘s words resonated with love. He replied to a fan’s comment by saying, “Yes, you’re right. The future’s going to be OK. Everything will be OK. Everyone, you don’t need to cry. We’ll be meeting in 2025, right? We promised. I’ll see you all again in 2025.” His words reassured fans that neither he nor the group will disappear for good.

In South Korea, military service is a rite of passage for all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28, spanning about two years. BTS members had the privilege to delay their service until they hit 30. As SUGA turned 30 on March 9, he could delay his enlistment no longer. ARMY worldwide eagerly await 2025, by which time all members of the group will have fulfilled their duties. – K-Pop News Writer

Featured Image: SUGA’s new hairstyle was a hit with everyone, even his fellow BTS member j-hope. Source: Twitter/@boraboravie.