South Korean rapper Suga has started his mandatory service. However, he is not joining the military.

Suga will instead spend the next 21 months working as a social service agent and that has nothing to do with army.

This is because Suga underwent a shoulder surgery in 2020. Those with physical and mental health issues are provided alternative to compulsory military conscription.

It is unclear what job will Suga perform although service personnel usually work in post offices etc. "I’ll faithfully serve and come back … Please stay healthy and let’s meet all again in 2025."

After Jin and J-Hope, Suga is the third member of BTS to begin his mandatory service. The K-pop group's hiatus is expected to last till the end of 2025.

Despite his absence from military training, Suga will have to undergo basic military training of three weeks somewhere in the future.

Bih Hit Music, BTS's management agency urged fans not to visit Suga at his workplace during the period of his service.

In South Korea, all able-bodied men must serve in the army, navy or air force for a period of 18 to 21 months under a military conscription system established due to threats from the North Korea.