Bye for now, BTS says [REWIND 2023]

The rest of the six members of BTS began their services this year, following the oldest member Jin who began his service in December last year and is expected to finish in June next year.

All seven members of BTS are now serving their military services. The above photograph was taken on Dec. 11, on the day of members Jimin and Jungkook's enlistment. [SCREEN CAPTURE]

BTS bid a short farewell to fans as all seven members are now fulfilling their military services.

Six members — J-Hope, Suga, RM, V, Jimin and Jungkook — began their services this year, following the oldest member Jin who began his service in December last year and is expected to finish in June next year.

Each member released their own solo music before starting their duties, and each broke records. BTS celebrated its 10th anniversary as a band this year and held the BTS Festa 2023 across the capital city in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

All seven members are expected to return by June 2025, as promised by the band’s agency HYBE when it announced last year that members would start fulfilling their duties.

Members hinted in a livestream on Dec. 5 before starting their services that they left many gifts for fans to enjoy. Member Jimin released his solo single "Closer Than This" on Dec. 22.

REWIND 2023

In 2023, Korea witnessed a tumultuous year in its entertainment and culture scenes. A drug scandal sent shock waves through the industry, ensnaring luminaries like Yoo Ah-in, G-Dragon and Lee Sun-kyun, with Lee reportedly dying by suicide at the age of 48 on Wednesday. BTS members one by one reported for duty to fulfill their looming military service, and Blackpink decided to stand united as a quartet with YG. The K-pop market grappled with alleged tampering scandals, involving artists Fifty Fifty, EXO, Omega X and soloists like Chuu. K-dramas continued their global reign, with "Moving" on Disney+ and "The Glory" on Netflix ranking among the most viewed shows worldwide. Korean literature earned accolades, with the international recognition of Cheon Myeong-kwan and Han Kang's works. Historic cultural landmarks and treasures also made the news, from vandalized Gyeongbok Palace walls to Jikji's exhibition and Gucci's fashion show in Gyeongbok Palace. Only two Korean films were able to make the 10 million ticket sales mark.

Here are the top 10 culture stories in 2023:

1. Lee Sun-kyun dies by suicide, drug scandal sweeps entertainment scene

2. Bye for now, BTS says

3. Blackpink 'fourever'

4. Cupid's roller coaster ride

5. Streaming services up the ante with hit shows

6. Scribbling on the royal palace walls

7. Fiction books find global acclaim

8. Jikji sees spotlight after half a century in hiding

9. Luxury brands secure their spot in Korea

10. Two films in the 10 million club

BY YOON SO-YEON [yoon.soyeon@joongang.co.kr]