BTS’s Jin Influences Change In How Korean Celebrities In The Military Receive Fan Mail
BTS‘s Jin recently enlisted in the Korean military, entering the training center on the afternoon of December 13 (KST).
Although it’s been less than 48 hours since his military entrance ceremony, ARMYs have already been praised for their respect and support for the BTS member as he became the first member of the group to begin his mandatory military service.
BIGHIT MUSIC and Korean military officials have prepared for the global superstar’s enlistment and what that may mean in relation to BTS’s millions of fans.
Ahead of his entrance ceremony, BIGHIT MUSIC and Jin formally requested that fans send their support via words instead of showing up to the training center in person. ARMYs widely respected the request, earning praise from the Korean media.
International ARMYs have been mindful of respecting Jin’s wishes and remained proactive in protecting his privacy and the experience of his fellow military recruits through communication and education about best practices on social media.
This led to various Tweets with conflicting information about whether or not it would cause an issue to send Jin fan mail during his service. Recently, Korean military authorities released a statement clarifying expectations about sending fan mail to Korean celebrities during their military service.
The Camp is a website and app that loved ones of those in the Korean military can use for updates. The app provides official photos uploaded by the military, information about their daily meals, and a place where letters can be sent virtually.
During enlistment, military trainees are allotted 30 minutes a day to use their phones, during which they can read any letters they’ve received if they choose.
Recently, an employee who works for the company that runs The Camp made a public post dissuading ARMYs from sending letters to Jin. He reasoned that all recruits share the same internet server, and the expected influx of fan letters Jin may receive could disrupt the experience of other trainees attempting to read their mail. The manner in which his notice was posted led many to believe it was an official statement on behalf of military officials.
The employee’s request went viral, leading military authorities to release a statement to the Korean media outlet YTN Star that the employee’s post was untrue. The employee also came forward to clarify that he was not authorized to release an official statement or speak on behalf of The Camp or military officials while acknowledging his previous statements led to misunderstandings.
The Camp has since revealed its solution to the expected increase in letters, a separate page specifically for Korean celebrities.
The Camp is currently preparing to open a camp room exclusively for artists. We plan to provide a separate service for fans of BTS’s Jin and other celebrity soldiers who will enlist in the military in the future. The concept of a personal inbox will provide a better communication channel.
— The Camp
The Camp’s solution for celebrity fan mail is currently underway. In the meantime, ARMYs are still able to send their supportive messages to Jin through Weverse.
