SEOUL, South Korea (AP) 鈥� Suga, a member of K-pop supergroup BTS, began fulfilling Friday as a social service agent, an alternative form of military service in the country.
Suga, 30, became the group鈥檚 third member to start carrying out their military duties. The two others, and , are already performing active service at army bases.
鈥淚鈥檒l faithfully serve and come back 鈥� Please stay healthy and let鈥檚 meet all again in 2025!鈥� Suga wrote in a message posted on the online fan platform Weverse.
BTS鈥檚 management agency, Big Hit Music, said that Suga later began commuting to a workplace designated under the country鈥檚 alternative military service system.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men must serve in the army, navy or air force for 18-21 months under a conscription system established due to threats from rival North Korea. Individuals with physical and mental issues can instead carry out their duties at non-military facilities such as welfare centers, community service centers and post offices for 21 months.
Local media reported Suga鈥檚 alternative service was likely related to a shoulder surgery that he underwent in 2020.
Active duty soldiers are required to begin their service with five weeks of basic military training at boot camps. Those performing alternative service are subject to three weeks of basic military training and can choose when to take it, according to the Military Manpower Administration.
It wasn鈥檛 known in which facility Suga began serving. In a statement earlier this week, BTS鈥檚 management agency, Bit Hit Music, asked Suga fans to refrain from visiting the signer at his workplace during the period of his service.
鈥淧lease convey your warm regards and encouragement in your hearts only,鈥� Big Hit Music said. 鈥淲e ask for your continued love and support for (Suga) until he completes his service and returns.鈥�
Last year, erupted over whether BTS members should receive special exemptions to their compulsory military duties. But the group's management agency eventually said .
South Korean law grants exemptions to athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers, if they are deemed to have enhanced the country's prestige. K-pop singers aren't eligible for the special dispensation.
Hyung-jin Kim, The Associated Press
