BTS currently tops the list of most popular music bands of the world. Without any doubt, the fan following of K-Pop has shot up tremendously in the past few years.
South Korea is a country which requires fit men belonging to 21 – 35 age groups to enlist in the military. The men then go through the basic training and serve in the various military units from 21 to 24 months.
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Are the members of BTS serving the military?
The current South Korean laws governing compulsory military enlistment policy does not exempt K-Pop, Korean film, and TV industry.
As all the members of BTS fall under 21 to 35 age group, they might have to temporarily go out of the limelight for at least 21 months. Technically, your favorite male K-Pop star – from Jin to Jungkook – could start their military service in the near feature.
No formal notice to BTS yet
The members of BTS reportedly have not received any formal notice stating military enlistment yet. But BTS certainly acknowledged the possibility of serving the military in the near future.
In an interview with CBS This Morning, BTS vocalist Jin addressed the military enlistment policy and said:
“As a Korean, it’s natural. And, someday, when duty calls, we’ll be ready to respond and do our best.”
The statement provided by BTS, the boy band for Korea, confirmed their acknowledgment and abiding by the governing laws.
Jungkook, the 21-year-old and the youngest member of BTS, agreed to 24-year-old Jin’s statement. He further replied,
“I don’t want to think about it at this point. We have something really good going.”
To which Jin nodded,
“That’s the answer. We just enjoy the ride, live in the moment, and that’s all we can do.”
South Korea provides an exemption in return for its honor
While BTS was attending major music awards and United States-based TV shows, the debate about military enlistment exemption heated up.
South Korea government grants exemption petitions filed by Olympic medalists. As the government do not wish to interfere with their training and hamper their abilities to bring home medals in South Korea’s honor.
Korean lawmakers state that BTS has got nothing in the military enlistment exemption, despite contributing business of $3 billion to the South Korean economy.
Should the government reconsider the military enlistment exemption policy for K-Pop stars has been a question of national debate.
