Korean rapper B.I (real name Kim Hanbin) will start his military service on March 16, his agency announced.
Agency 131LABEL announced, “B.I will begin his military service as a public service worker on March 16, 2026, in order to fulfill his duty as a citizen of the Republic of Korea.”
The public service work is an alternative form of military service.
“There will be no official events held on the day he begins his military service. In consideration of safety and to prevent congestion at the site, we kindly ask fans to refrain from visiting the location,” it said.
The agency added, “After completing his military service in good health, B.I will return to greet fans as a more mature artist.
“We would like to sincerely thank all fans who have continuously shown B.I their love and support, and for being part of his journey as an artist. Until the day we meet again, we kindly ask for your continued love and support for B.I and his music,” it said.
B.I. debuted as a member of K-pop boy band iKon in 2015 and transitioned into a solo artist in 2021.
He will be fulfilling his military service for 21 months and will be discharged on Dec. 15, 2027.