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.

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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.

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Busan Brothers 💜💛 #jk #jimin #armybuddies #enlistment

♬ Shot Glass of Tears – Jung Kook

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.