While his personal career reigned supreme, Jung Kook himself announced his enlistment schedule in December.

Big Hit Music – BTS ‘s management company also confirmed that 4 members RM, V, Jimin, Jung Kook will soon perform military service, right after the 3 eldest brothers Jin, j-hope and Suga. December of this year marks the milestone of BTS officially entering a 2-year “break”. After the album celebrating their 9th anniversary, Armys have mentally prepared for the members’ absence one by one.

December this year marked the milestone of BTS officially entering a 2-year “break”, with all members performing military service.

To minimize the time of hiatus, Big Hit tried to arrange BTS’s enlistment schedule to end this year, promising to return en masse in 2025. From July 2022 to November 2023, BTS has completed the goal of 7/7 members making their individual debuts.

BLACKPINK and the unpredictable future

In the 7th year of their career, BLACKPINK has successfully completed the Born Pink World Tour , conquering sales peaks and spreading global reputation. However, the group faces an uncertain future when it comes time to re-sign with YG management company. Last year, information related to the contract between BLACKPINK and YG was continuously circulated in the media, making fans confused.

YG faces the risk of not being able to keep all four members Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé

YG faces the risk of not being able to keep all four members Jennie, Lisa, Jisoo, and Rosé. According to the third quarter financial report, the contract with BLACKPINK is still being discussed. Korean media reported, revealing the possibility of BLACKPINK re-signing to continue group activities, but some members will not be affiliated with the company.

This scenario repeats the case of SNSD or EXO, groups that are still active but have members who leave SM and manage their own personal activities. Facing conflicting rumors, YG continuously denied and announced that the contract was under negotiation.

After the end of Born Pink’s last concert in Seoul, BLACKPINK no longer has any significant group activities

After the end of Born Pink ‘s last concert in Seoul, at the end of November, the four girls attended a state banquet in the United Kingdom and were awarded the MBE honorary medal by King Charles III. This is a rare occasion for BLACKPINK to appear together. Currently, the members are all taking a break, carrying out their own schedules, and the comeback date is unknown.

Kpop is about to lose BTS and BLACKPINK?

Experts say that during BTS’s 2-year break, if BLACKPINK continues their music career, the group will reach the peak of “dominating” Kpop. In terms of achievements and influence, Kpop has not had any artists surpass BTS and BLACKPINK. Expected groups like NewJeans, Stray Kids, SEVENTEEN,… still lack a few elements to rise strongly in the international market.

Expected groups like NewJeans, Stray Kids, SEVENTEEN,… still lack a few elements to rise strongly in the international market.

But, it is difficult to speculate about BLACKPINK’s return date. The four YG girls “frozen” their group activities for nearly 2 years after promoting their debut album, making people “worried” about the comeback date.

Throughout 2021, BLACKPINK did not release group products at all, only 2 members Rosé and Lisa debuted solo. Even though they are fans of girl groups, BLINKs also have the experience of waiting for idols to “enlist” because of BLACKPINK’s unpredictable schedule.

It is difficult to speculate on BLACKPINK’s return date in the messy contract situation

At the end of the 66-night Born Pink concert , many sources revealed that Jennie – Rosé were busy preparing for a solo album, Jisoo focused on acting and Lisa had many unpredictable plans. Combined with the recent incidents of BLACKPINK’s youngest member in the Asian market, BLINKs are not sure about the group’s direction at the present time. Especially when the contract with the company has not yet been finalized.

As for BTS, Armies around the world have strong faith in the promise that the 7 boys will return in 2025. Last September, the members also re-signed with HYBE – a rare precedent in Kpop. However, a period of 2 years is too long to predict anything. BTS will still return. But it is difficult to predict whether the group will reach the peak of their career again like in their heyday.

BTS fans must overcome 2 quiet years before reuniting with their idols in 2025

Kpop is a young and vibrant market, with hundreds of rookies debuting each year and fierce competition for top positions. The military break is a big change for a male group, changing their status and activities after the members are discharged from the army. With the current situation, Kpop fans cannot help but worry about losing BTS and BLACKPINK, as well as the time of “recession” for 3rd generation artists has come.