What BTS Stars Have Said About Splitting As They Announce Extended Break

While BTS' fans continue to reel from the news that the band will be taking an "extended period of rest," it's revived questions about when they will eventually split.

In the hours after it was announced on Monday that the "Dynamite" singers would be taking a break, fans discovered that each of the seven members had launched individual Instagram accounts, with each star quickly clocking up millions of followers.

The social media separation could be a way for Jungkook, Jin, J-Hope, Jimin, V, Suga, and RM to remain in touch with their dedicated fans, dubbed the ARMY, as they take some time away from their BTS duties—or it could be the beginning of the inevitable end.

With the prospect of the group splitting currently being unthinkable for the K-pop juggernaut's countless fans, it's a reality that they will have to face in the near future, due to compulsory military service in the stars' native South Korea.

As the law currently stands, all able-bodied men aged between 18 and 28 are required to serve in South Korea's military for approximately 21 months.

The singers themselves discussed the prospect of having to disband to serve out their duties in an interview with CBS Sunday Morning back in 2019.

"As a Korean, it's natural and someday, when duty calls, we'll be ready to respond and do our best," Jin said when asked about the prospect, per Teen Vogue.

When asked if they're worried about drifting apart when the time comes, Jungkook responded: "I don't want to think about it at this point. We have something really good going."

Reiterating that the stars want to revel in the present before facing the looming reality, RM added: "We just enjoy the ride. Live in the moment. And that's all we can do."

At the end of 2020, South Korea passed a bill that allowed for the nation's biggest K-pop stars to delay their compulsory military service until the age of 30, if recommended by the culture minister.

Prior to the revision in the law, exemptions and referrals were largely reserved for classical musicians and high-profile athletes.

Under the revised Military Service Act, "a pop culture artist who was recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to have greatly enhanced the image of Korea both within the nation and throughout the world" will be permitted to postpone enlisting for service until the age of 30.

The move came just days before Jin, who is the oldest member of BTS, celebrated his 28th birthday. Jin turned 29 on December 4. As such, he is now counting down his final months before he will be required to serve.

Big Hit Music, which manages the band, announced across social media on Monday that the stars would be taking a break from their BTS duties.

The statement read: "We would like to inform you that BTS is planning to take a second official extended period of rest since their first in 2019 after they complete their official scheduled events of BTS Permission To Dance On Stage—LA and the 2021 Jingle Ball Tour.

"BTS stayed active in order to engage with fans in 2020 and 2021 amidst the Covid-19 situation, and achieved dazzling results to cement themselves as top global artists.

"This period of rest will provide the members of BTS who have tirelessly committed themselves to their activities, a chance to get re-inspired and recharge with creative energy. It will also be the first time for them since their debut to spend the holiday season with their families."

Bit Hit Music added that BTS would be "focusing on preparing for the concert and release of the new album that will mark the beginning of a 'new chapter.' They are preparing for a concert this coming March to connect and communicate with the fans in-person in Seoul."