South Korea’s defense minister suggested on Monday that K-pop boy band BTS would still be able to perform concerts abroad while enrolling, as the nation is debating cutting the length of the two-year military service requirement for K-pop stars to three weeks.
With Jin, the senior member of the band, turning 30 the following year, the issue is becoming much more apparent. Globally renowned K-pop singers were permitted to postpone military duty until age 30 under a 2019 amendment to the law.
In South Korea, where all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve in the military as part of attempts to fight against a North Korea with nuclear weapons, military service is highly contentious.
Some categories have received exemptions over the years, allowing them to postpone or complete shorter terms of duty. These categories include medalists from the Olympics and Asian Games as well as classical musicians and dancers who place first in specific events.
A bill that would decrease K-pop celebrities’ mandatory military duty is currently being discussed in parliament.
In his remarks during the parliamentary session, Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup claimed that by allowing BTS to continue performing, the military could advance national goals without having an impact on the already limited pool of human resources due to low birth rates.
A request for comment was not answered by BTS’ management, Big Hit.
“Even if they join the military, there would be a way to give them a chance to practice and perform together if there are scheduled concerts abroad,” Lee said.
“As many people highly value (artists serving) in the military, that may help boost their popularity even more.”
The band stated in June that it would cease all group musical endeavors in order to focus on solo projects, citing weariness.
A Big Hit representative said in April that some members were having a “hard time” as a result of the pending decision on the legislative discussion.
With their peppy songs and social activities focused on uplifting young people, BTS has gained international acclaim since making its debut in 2013.
BTS met with American President Joe Biden at the White House in May to tackle hate crimes against Asians. Last year, BTS became the first Asian band to win artist of the year at the American Music Awards.
According to an estimate made in 2018 by a South Korean think tank, between 2014 and 2023, BTS will generate economic benefits worth 56 trillion won ($43 billion).
