BTS, comprising seven members, entered the military for their mandatory service, creating a bittersweet atmosphere among their dedicated fandom. Anticipation for updates on the members has been high, and The Camp, which usually provides real-time updates on soldiers to their families, unexpectedly removed BTS from its roster.
The CEO of Enable Daon Soft, the company behind The Camp, Jang Cheol Min, clarified the reason behind this sudden move. According to him, BIGHIT MUSIC, the agency managing BTS, misunderstood the platform's intention, thinking it was aimed at conducting business through idols. The confusion led to the removal of artists from major management companies to avoid legal complications.
Jang Cheol Min highlighted that The Camp has never experienced such a surge in traffic since its launch, attributing the spike in popularity to BTS's dedicated fandom. He emphasized that the decision to remove BTS was driven by the need to protect the idols' privacy, a sentiment that resonated strongly with the fanbase, which has always been wary of potential privacy intrusion.
The "star Soldier" list, which currently features 30 A-listers, includes popular figures like actor Nam Joo Hyuk, WINNER's Mino, and vocalist Go Woo Rim. The platform initially served as a general communication tool for military needs but expanded into celebrity updates due to the overwhelming demand from fandoms seeking the latest news about their idols.
As BTS fans patiently await updates on their favourite group's military service, the unexpected removal from The Camp platform has added an element of uncertainty, sparking concerns within the fandom. The decision to prioritize privacy over publicity has triggered a mixed reaction, with fans expressing both understanding and disappointment. The reunion of BTS in 2025 remains highly anticipated, but the journey has become even more uncertain in light of these recent developments.