Kim Taehyung, aka V of BTS, bids farewell to fans as he starts his mandatory military enlistment.

On December 11, Taehyung entered the Nonsan Army Training Center in Chungcheongnam-do to undergo basic military training before serving as an active-duty soldier. He will serve for a total of 18 months, with his discharge date set for June 2025.

Before entering the training center, Taehyung penned a heartfelt letter for fans on Weverse. He expressed his love and gratitude towards them and revealed that he has some things planned for them while he’s away.

"I think I will miss you all so much.

Honestly, I’m sad that I can’t make happy memories with ARMY (BTS fans) for the time being, but besides that one thing, it would be fine. The hardest thing is not being able to see ARMY. After the long period of 18 months, I will return in really good health, so ARMY, take good care of your health, and if you spend each day looking for happiness, I will appear saying, “Ta-da! I’m here!” Also, I prepared various stuff for those 18 months, so please look forward to it.

As we always have, let’s make precious memories after I return. I will really miss you, and I really love you, so please wait for me until then. I will return soon! Bye!"

Alongside the touching message, Taehyung shared photos of his shaved head on both Instagram and Weverse. Additionally, he posted never-before-seen photos and selfies of himself taken during his schedules from the past two years.

Learn more about the Special Duty Team (SDT), the special task force to which Taehyung applied, below.