BTS‘s SUGA took a moment to connect with his fans right before his enlistment. “Hi, it’s SUGA. I came by to say hi,” he shared in a Weverse post early Friday morning. Weverse, for the uninitiated, is HYBE’s fan community platform.
SUGA addressed ARMY
SUGA’s message was filled with gratitude and love for his fans, known as the ARMY. “I’m here safe and sound, thanks to ARMY,” he wrote. “And the time has come. I will return after diligently serving my mandatory service. Please be mindful of the change of seasons as we transition to a chilly season of fall. Stay healthy, and see you all in 2025. ARMY, I thank you so much, and I love you.”
Despite the significance of the day, no official events were scheduled for Friday, as confirmed by HYBE earlier in the week. SUGA will be serving as a social service agent due to a past shoulder injury. In Korea, all eligible men are mandated to serve approximately one and a half years in the military. Those who receive a lower grade on their physical evaluation have the option to serve as a social service agent at a public institution for 21 months. This role also requires a three-week basic training at a military boot camp.
The commitment of BTS members to their fans and their craft was further highlighted when it was announced on Wednesday that all seven members will renew their exclusive contracts with BigHit Music. This renewal ensures that BTS will stay together in 2025 and beyond, even as members fulfill their military obligations.
I’m not ok. I thought i was ready. That Weverse post hit me unexpectedly hard. I’m not ready. 😢
— SUGA’S WHISPER ⁷ ¹⁰🥢ʟᴀʏᴏ(ꪜ)ᴇʀ (@SugasWhisper1) September 21, 2023
BigHit Music speaks
SUGA is not the first from BTS to embark on this journey. He follows in the footsteps of Jin, who began his service in December, and j-hope, who started in April. BigHit Music had previously announced SUGA‘s enlistment, emphasizing that he would be working in an office and officially enlisting on September 22. The company also asked fans to respect SUGA‘s privacy as he serves and to avoid any unauthorized visits.
In a statement, BigHit Music said, “We ask for your continued love and support for SUGA until he completes his service and returns. Our company will also strive to provide all the support he needs during this time. Thank you.”
As SUGA prepares for this new chapter, fans worldwide send their best wishes and eagerly await the 2025 reunion. – K-Pop News Writer
Featured Image: SUGA couldn’t join the military without saying goodbye to ARMY. Source: Twitter/@pm5_twt.
