SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA: K-pop superstar and BTS member Jungkook left fans emotional after penning a heartfelt personal letter about his upcoming military enlistment.
Jungkook, who is the youngest member of BTS, took to WeVerse to tell fans (popularly known as ARMY) that he will be starting a new journey in December and have to leave them behind "temporarily" to enlist in the military.
The letter came after Big Hit Music announced that the remaining BTS members -- RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook -- have initiated the process for military enlistment and will be joining Jin, J-Hope, and Suga to fulfill the military duties under South Korea's mandatory enlistment system.
A look at Jungkook's heartfelt letter for the ARMYs
Jungkook took to WeVerse to share a heart-touching letter for his fans, as per allkpop. "To ARMY who I love," the K-Pop idol began.
"The wind is very cold as it's getting close to the end of November already. Everyone already knows it, so I'm just writing a short letter to you all," he said.
"I'm starting a new journey in December," Jungkook mentioned, before adding, "I'll be leaving everyone temporarily to fulfill my military duty."
"A part of me feels heavy as I tell you this, but on the other hand, my heart grows warm when I think of the precious memories I've shared with ARMY," he continued.
"Every moment I've spent with you guys were the brightest times of my life. ARMYs' smiles, support, and love have led me here," the BTS star wrote.
"I'm so thankful that you have encouraged my dream and silently walked alongside me," he mentioned.
'I'm wary/cautious to tell all of you to just do nothing but wait while im serving in the military," Jungkook announced.
"One year and 6 months is long time, so i cant say something so selfish but I'll promise you that after i return, I;ll stand back up on stage at the place I always have, with a more mature self," he assured.
"I hope that during this time, ARMYs lives will be filled of laughter and happiness and I hope that ARMYs daily lives will be healthy and beautiful," the singer said.
"I'll miss you very much while waiting for that day where we can meet again and share stories," he added. "Don't be sick and stay healthy, I love you (is it a bit too early to write a letter.. heh ahem)," Jungkook concluded.
BTS fans left emotional over Jungkook's letter
BTS fans all across the globe were left emotional over Jungkook's letter and took to social media to react to his heartfelt note.
"Jngkook is the sweetest :( hope he knows that we'll be here waiting till he and everyone else comes back safely," one wrote.
"I wasn’t ready for this I’m gonna miss you so much Jungkook," one added. "My Kookie my global star Ilb here waiting for ur return plz go safely n come back soon i love you jungkook," they added.
"I don’t think I can live without him. I will do my best to be strong for him. Please JK, be safe healthy and happy. I will wait. Love him completely," one fan said, before adding, "He’s beautiful hand. He will take us with him," in reference to his "ARMY" tattoo.
"'Dear armys whom i love' read first line and fell on my knees please jungkook," one fan gushed.
"I shouldn’t have woken up," another emotional fan remarked.
One ARMY wrote, "I’m not going to lie… I’ve been crying for hours.. and his beautiful words made me cry even more.. I only want him to be healthy & safe.. I’m so grateful for everything.. I love you my Jungkook.. so much.. @BTS_twt forever with you."
Another said, "My biggest dream is attending BTS concert in 2025 n I promise you I’ll wait for ur return plz take care of urself Jungkookie n remember that we love you n we’lb alwys by ur side 'standing next to you' @BTS_twt."
One posted, "Thankyou jungkookieeee for this heart felt message/letter i know this will happen that you will enlist and the other 3 hyungs thankyou for being my happiness my strength thankyou for making me smile always and i'm really proud of you you come so far i'm crying sad right now."
Another wrote, "Jungkook we'll never leave your side.... it's not being selfish JK, you have to full authority to say to us that "Armys you'll wait for me till the time I'm serving the military" Jungkook we're yours....we love you a lot! Jungkook love you a lot! We're soooo proud of you!"
How many BTS members have enlisted so far?
BTS members Jin, J-Hope, and Suga have already enlisted and are currently serving their mandatory military service. Jin was the first member to enlist in the military in 2022, which was followed by J-Hope's enlistment.
While Suga was the third member to enlist for the military in September, Yonhap News Agency reported that he was ruled unfit for combat duty for undisclosed reasons and will hence serve as a social service agent instead.
Meanwhile, Big Hit Music announced that the remaining four BTS members -- RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook -- are all set to enlist in the military and have initiated their military enlistment process.
When will Jungkook come back?
As per Jungkook's letter to fans, he will reportedly begin fulfilling his military duty in December and it will take him one year and six months to come back after the completion of his duty.
According to The Guardian, all seven members of BTS are expected to complete their mandatory military service by mid-2025.
What has BTS' agency said about their enlistment?
On Wednesday, November 22, Big Hit Music took to WeVerse to share a statement about BTS members' military enlistment.
"RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are actively preparing to fulfill their military service duties. We will promptly share further updates concerning their military service schedules," they mentioned.
"We pledge unwavering support and warmth throughout their service period until their safe return. Your love means the world to them," the agency added.
