BTS member Jin gets buzz cut as he prepares to embark on mandatory military service in South Korea

BTS member Jin was seen in a social media shot on Monday as he prepared to embark on his military training.

Jin, who turned 30 December 4, is slated to commence with his military training on Tuesday, as South Korean law mandates able-bodied males are mandated to serve in the range of 18 and 21 months in the military.

Jin, who is the first singer in the band to commence with his military service, said of the new hairdo on the Korean app Weverse, ‘Cuter Than I Thought.’

The latest: BTS member Jin was seen in a social media shot on Monday as he prepared to embark on his military training

Sungdeuk Son, who is the director of music performance for the popular boy band, posted the image on Instagram. He captioned the shot, ‘I hope you have a healthy trip and be a precious time in your life..’

The label for the group, Big Hit Music, asked for fans to not visit Jin in a post on Weverse, saying they will update fans on how he is doing while he was away.

‘Jin will fulfill his required time with the military by enlisting in the army,’ the company said. ‘Please note that we will not be holding any kind of official event on the day of his recruitment.’

It continued: ‘The entrance ceremony is a time to be observed by military personnel and their families only. In order to prevent any issues that might occur from crowding, we ask fans to please refrain from visiting the site. Instead, we ask you to keep your heartwarming words of support and farewell in your hearts.’

Jin was seen promoting the band’s Butter in Seoul, South Korea in May of 2021 

The popular boy band was snapped at the American Music Awards last year in LA 

‘We ask for your continued love and support for Jin until he finishes his military service and comes back. Our company will also strive to provide every support he needs during this time.’ 

In October, the group – who announced in June they were taking a break – said in a statement that both the label and ‘the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment.’

The military service of the entertainers did provoke debate in South Korea, where Olympians and classic musicians have been granted exceptions to their service.

Refusing to serve the mandatory military requirements in South Korea is criminal and also has major social implications.

On Tuesday, fans gathered outside a military training facility in Yeoncheon, South Korea, where Jin was expected to arrive via a motorcade. 

On Tuesday, Jin was in a convoy of vehicles transporting him to a South Korean army boot camp in Yeoncheon, South Korea, which is near the demilitarized zone

A police officer stood outside of the venue prior to the arrival of the musical star 

Fans congregated outside of the military training center to mark Jin’s arrival