Dear Gossips,   

BTS’s management confirmed a few weeks ago that j-hope had initiated enlistment procedures to serve mandatory military duty. He posted this on Instagram yesterday – you’ll see him with a buzz cut in the second photo. 

 

So…it’s time. Hobi reported to the training centre today but he was not alone. As it was back in December when Jin entered the military, the other six members of BTS were there to send him off. Here are RM, Suga, Jimin, V, Jungkook, and yes, Jin as well joining j-hope as he begins his service. 

 

It was already going to be an emotional day, obviously, but the fact that Jin showed up too, when he’s currently fulfilling his military obligation, well it’s highs and lows. Because here they are, all seven of them together again, albeit briefly. 

And then there were five. This will happen five more times! RM, Suga, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are expected to all follow by the end of the year, probably after they complete their respective solo releases. 

Suga’s album, D-Day, comes out this Friday, along with a companion documentary on Disney+, SUGA: Road to D-Day, that drops the same day. PEOPLE.com yesterday posted exclusive behind-the-scenes photos from the film which, to some, might not seem like it would be the outlet that comes to mind for advance BTS content. At least not for those who aren’t familiar with the band and their fanbase. But the truth is, most BTS fans are adults, and there’s a lot of crossover between ARMY and the PEOPLE demographic, at least in North America. You’ll see this in the crowds when he goes on tour next week. 

 

As noted though, the remaining five members who’ve yet to enlist are expected to complete their solo projects by the end of the year which has resulted in a VERY full schedule. It was always a heavy content load for BTS even before they paused their group activities but now that the band members are rolling out their solos, the pace seems even more frenetic? I’ve never been able to stay up to date on it and I’m even more behind now. That said, there was no missing Jungkook’s latest with Calvin Klein because this is what’s blowing up on social media today – a new JK x CK drop, bright and early this morning as if they were trying to make us feel better about j-hope’s departure. I appreciate the timing. 

 
 

Yours in gossip, 

Lainey