It has become official that BTS members will start enlisting in mandatory military service starting at the end of this year.

The members have always stated that they will be enlisting to serve the nation, but the question was when. Then in 2022, the oldest member, Jin, confirmed he will be getting his basic military training this December.

Following Jin, it is expected the other members of BTS will soon enter their military hiatus leaving the spot for the top boy group in the K-pop industry vacant for a few years until BTS makes a full return.

That is why the debate started discussing which group will be the top boy group in K-pop while BTS is on hiatus for the military. One netizen started the debate in the popular online community Nate Pann and wrote, "BTS will officially enter their military hiatus so I think there will be a fierce fight for the artist of the year grand award for boy groups between Stray Kids, Seventeen, and NCT Dream." 

The netizen elaborated, "Seventeen is consistent, so nothing more to say there, Stray Kids sold over 3 million albums this time and they had a successful tour, NCT Dream had three comebacks this year, and they even won the grand award at Genie, so I think next year will be the start for them." 

Other netizens joined and shared their opinions on this matter. They commented, "I'm sorry but I think either Lim Young Woong or a girl group will win," "Wow, boy groups are finally getting their chance now," "I think next year will be the year for Lim Young Woong and girl groups," "It's going to be as fierce as the girl group Rookie of the Year Award this year," "Seventeen has to enlist soon too no?" "NCT groups will take over for SM Entertainment," "It's definitely going to be the year for girl groups next year too," "I agree that it will become fierce," and "I think this person is right."