Should K-pop band members be exempt from Military Service? Let's find out when BTS might be able to return together as a group!
Military conscription has become a hot topic since BTS band member Jin, will enlist in the military by the time he turns 30 years old (December 4, 1992). He plans to enlist after his solo project rolls out in the next few weeks. Korean males aged 18 and 35 are required to serve in the Korean military. Today exemptions are only granted to athletes who win medals in the Olympic Games or classical musicians/dancers who have won international level competitions. Most South Korean men ages 18 to 28 serve for at least 18 months. In 2019, a revision was added to military service laws that allows internally recognized K-pop stars to defer their service until age 30.
All seven members of BTS are expected to enroll in military service. The band will regroup “around 2025” after they fulfill their obligations, according to Big Hit.
With Jin’s approaching deadline politicians are hotly debating the topic. What are your thoughts? Would it be fair for BTS members to be exempt from military service? What are the military service requirements in your country?