BigHit Music tells fans to refrain sending gifts, letters to BTS' Jin in army training camp
BTS ARMY has never fallen short of ways to support the Bangtan Boys since their 2013 debut. This time, however, the supergroup's record label, BigHit Music, recently told fans to stop sending letters and gifts to BTS member Jin during his military service.
As the group's oldest member, Jin was the first among the seven-piece boy group to enlist in South Korea's mandatory military training service. The 30-year-old entered the frontline boot camp in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi Province on Dec. 13, 2022.
On Jan. 5, BigHit Music posted an announcement on the Hybe-owned social media platform Weverse which first stated how thankful they are for the ARMYs' unwavering support for Jin, especially when he enlisted in the military.
The statement reads, "Thank you to all the fans who always give their love to BTS. Thanks to your kind consideration and support, BTS member Jin entered the military in December and is now performing his duties responsibly at the training camp."
"Thank you for showing your interest and support on the day of his enlistment. We would like to share additional information for fans to keep note of throughout Jin’s military service period," the agency continued.
It went on, saying that fans should refrain from sending anything to the BTS member by mail as it would be difficult to store them in the camp.
BigHit wrote, "Jin is stationed at a training center designated specifically for military training together with regular military personnel. If a large number of letters and gifts from the fans arrive at the center all at once, it would be difficult to store them, and they could be easily lost. We ask that you please refrain from sending anything by mail."
The agency urged ARMYs to do likewise up until Jin "finishes his military recruit training and gets stationed at his military base."
According to South Korea's Defense Ministry, Jin will be staying at the boot camp for five weeks for his basic military training, which includes rifle-shooting and grenade-throwing. Afterward, he and other trainees will be stationed in army units across the country.
BigHit also asked fans not to flock to the base during the K-pop idol's graduation ceremony. The BTS member will be rendering his mandatory military service for a total of 18 months and is set to be discharged on June 12, 2024.
"We would also like to ask for your cooperation during Jin’s recruit training graduation ceremony," the agency added. "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."
ARMYs who would still like to send well wishes to Jin can instead post them on Weverse with the hashtag #Dear_Jin_from_ARMY.
"We ask for your continued love and support for Jin until he finishes his military service and comes back in good health," BigHit continued. "Our company will also strive to provide all support he needs during this time. Thank you."