Unable to postpone their enlistment the two BIGBANG members plan to enter the military.
On December 24 YG Entertainment (YG) reported that both G-Dragon (Kwon Ji-yong, 29) and Taeyang (Dong Young-bae, 29) plan to enlist in early 2018. Previously the two have been able to postpone their enlistment for professional reasons. However, according to YG, the two cannot apply for any more postponements. Further, a warrant will likely be issued next year should they fail to enter the military promptly.
It is unknown if the group’s remaining members, Daesung (28) and Seungri (27), will join the military at the same time. While the two can still postpone their draft into the armed forces, there is speculation that all remaining members of BIGBANG will begin their service together to reduce the duration of the group’s hiatus.
Moreover, although no enlistment dates have been confirmed for any of the members, they have hinted the group’s impending break. During the “BIGBANG Japan Dome Tour 2017 – Last Dance” concert on December 13, the members commented that “We’re very sad that when this tour is over, we won’t be able to meet for a while.”
Likewise, Taeyang and Min Hyo-rin’s upcoming wedding on February 3 also points to an early 2018 enlistment. Regarding the marriage, a source said: “the couple is trying to have their wedding before Taeyang joins the military.”
BIGBANG debuted in 2006 with BigBang Vol.1 which had a lukewarm response from the public. However, since then the five-member boy group has gone on to have a robust career, both together and as soloists. The group’s massive popularity and global impact have earned them the title of “Kings of K-pop” from the media.
Translated by O.C
