Amid rumors that the group BTS (RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, Jungkook) member will enlist in the military this year, Big Hit Entertainment issued an official response.

Big Hit Entertainment agency stated on Oct 21 (local time), "We don't know why this kind of story is circulating, but those reports of enlisting this year are false."

The rumor seems to be circulating from the comments from National Assembly member Ahn Min Suk, who is the chairman of the Committee for Culture, Sports and Tourism. He said, "it seems that one of the members of BTS is going to enlist this year, and it seems it has been decided not to grant a special military exemption to pop artists."

Ahn Min Suk added, "Fine artists will be given special military service exemption if they place second in international competitions. This system was put in place in the '70s. At that time, there was an apparent line between fine arts and pop culture. Now it seems the line is not as clear, so it doesn't make sense for only 'pure artists' to get special treatment regarding military service and ignore pop culture artists."

The remark by Ahn Min Suk quickly spread rumors that BTS will enlist in the military within this year. Big Hit Entertainment, however, stressed such talks are not valid.