The butter won’t melt, y’all. K-pop sensations BTS may be allowed to continue performing and preparing for international concerts even while they undertake their mandatory military service in South Korea, the country’s defense minister has said. Here’s what you need to know.
All eligible South Korean men under the age of 30 must perform around two years of military service, mainly due to the fact that the country remains technically at war with nuclear-armed North Korea. The specter of conscription has long hovered over BTS, with its seven male stars ranging in age from 24-year-old Jungkook to Jin, 29, who must sign up by next year or risk jail time.
BTS Might Still Be Able To Tour Despite Mandatory Military Service
Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup said during a parliament session that it could be in the national interest to find a way to keep the global stars on stage during their time in South Korea’s military. “I think there will be a way to give them time to practise in the military and to allow them to perform together if there is an overseas performance scheduled,” he said. “Since many people value the fact of serving in the military itself very highly, it could be more helpful for their popularity,” he added, responding to a lawmaker’s question on the topic.
South Korea grants exemptions from military service to some elite athletes, such as Olympic medallists and classical musicians – but pop stars do not qualify.
The lack of exemptions for BTS, who are credited with generating billions of dollars for the South Korean economy, has sparked fierce debate in the past. Who does – and does not – undertake military service is a highly charged issue in South Korea. Refusing to serve is a crime and can lead to imprisonment and social stigma.
However, some South Koreans go to extreme measures – trying to gain weight or having unnecessary surgery, for example – to evade service, AFP has reported. That said, BTS have not shown any signs of trying to evade the draft.
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