In response to US threats and military presence, thousands of Venezuelans, including housewives and retirees, volunteered to join the country's militia, led by President Maduro, as a show of resistance and national defense amid escalating tensions with the US.
BTS's RM candidly discussed the prolonged struggles the group faced due to military enlistment issues in a recent interview about his new album "Right Place, Wrong Person." He revealed the emotional turbulence and public scrutiny they endured, and how overhearing people's critical conversations affected him. RM also shared his mixed feelings about the enlistment of younger BTS members and expressed relief as his album neared completion, believing it would help him prepare for future challenges.
A U.S. Air Force veteran facing charges in the U.S. for possessing sexually explicit images of a child apparently joined the Russian army to evade prosecution, as video footage emerged showing him signing documents in a military enlistment office in Siberia and expressing support for Russia's war against Ukraine. His lawyer stated that he believed the criminal case had ruined his life, leading him to join the Russian army to avoid registering as a sex offender. The U.S. State Department has not been able to confirm the reports of his whereabouts, and the Rhode Island attorney general's office has received images purporting to show the veteran in Ukraine and Russia.
BTS' V has released his first solo single "FRI(END)S" since enlisting in the South Korean military, following his September 2023 EP Layover. The R&B-infused track, written entirely in English, was announced on social media and is described as rooted in the pop soul R&B genre. V had prepared several projects for release during his military service and expressed his sadness at not being able to make happy memories with his fans during this time.
President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that expedites Russian citizenship for foreigners who join the Russian military, a move aimed at bolstering troop numbers amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The new decree shortens the decision time for citizenship applications from three months to one month. This follows previous decrees that waived language and residency requirements for foreign military enlistees and their families. The initiative targets migrants from Central Asian countries and comes as Russia faces a need to increase its military personnel, with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stating a goal of 1.5 million troops. Reports suggest that migrants are being pressured into military service through police raids and offers of fast-track citizenship.
BTS member Jimin releases his latest solo single "Closer Than This" as a heartfelt love letter to the BTS Army before beginning his military enlistment in South Korea. The song expresses his longing for the day he reunites with fans and reflects on BTS' journey together. "Closer Than This" is Jimin's first solo release since his debut album earlier this year. BTS is expected to return in 2025.
International media outlets from the US, UK, and Japan are closely covering the military enlistment of BTS members, with reports discussing South Korea's conscription system and the impact on the group's popularity. While some members have received special honors for their military service, BTS is expected to resume full group activities in 2025 after the discharge of all members. The BBC compared their enlistment to the hypothetical scenario of The Beatles joining the army at the height of their fame. BTS members have expressed excitement for reuniting with fans in 2025.
K-netizens are discussing the black uniform that BTS member V (Kim Taehyung) will wear as part of the 'Special Duty Team,' a counter-terrorism military unit, after completing basic training. Netizens are excited and anticipate that V will look cool and handsome in the uniform, comparing him to a game character or a movie scene. They express support for V and the team, acknowledging the challenges they will face.
BTS member Jimin made headlines for his stylish outfit when enlisting in the military, wearing a DIOR backpack and jacket. As the global ambassador for DIOR, fans found it amusing and impressive that Jimin maintained his fashion sense even during this important moment.
Producer Na Yeong Seok and actor Park Seo Joon discussed BTS member V's military enlistment during a YouTube live broadcast. Park Seo Joon shared that he had recently seen V before his enlistment and that V sounded bright and cheery, assuring him that he would be back safe and sound. They speculated about V's current activities in the military, including his training and daily routine. V will serve for 18 months and is expected to complete his military service in June 2025.
Bang PD, the founder and chairman of HYBE, surprised BTS members RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook at their military enlistment ceremony by bringing gift bags filled with useful items for their time in the military. He treated them like his own kids and showed his love and support for their milestone achievements.
BTS' label has released an official video of RM, V, Jimin, and Jungkook's military enlistment day, featuring HYBE's Bang Si Hyuk, providing a treat for fans eagerly awaiting their mandatory service.
BTS members Jimin and Jungkook have enlisted in the military, joining their fellow bandmates RM and V. Despite the anticipation, BTS's fandom, ARMY, respected the group's wishes and refrained from attending the training site. Instead, they expressed their support through banners, buses, and balloons. K-netizens praised ARMY for keeping their promise and not causing disruptions. BTS is now on a collective military service hiatus, with expected discharge dates set for June 2025.
BTS members RM and V have enlisted in the military with support from their friends, including Park Seo Joon and Wooga Squad. RM's friend JNKYRD and Balming Tiger's San Yawn also showed their support on social media. Jimin and Jungkook are set to enlist the following day. The BTS members are expected to be discharged and reunite by June 2025.
BTS's RM has written an emotional letter to his fans ahead of his military enlistment, expressing gratitude for the past 10 years and anticipation for the future. He acknowledges the challenges faced by his fellow members who enlisted before him and hopes to be a constant presence in his fans' lives. RM concludes by promising to return and greet his fans again, expressing love and gratitude.