SOUTH KOREA: According to South Korea’s defence minister, Lee Jong-sup, BTS may still be permitted to perform worldwide while serving in the military.
The nation currently also discusses cutting the duration of K-pop singers required military duty from approximately two years to three weeks. During a parliamentary session on Monday, the defence minister stated that the government was looking for other means for the K-pop members to continue performing and practising.
In South Korea, all men must perform compulsory service in the military between the ages of 18 and 28. The following service is necessary for the individuals to complete their responsibilities as part of its defensive strategy.
A new version of the Military Service Act was enacted by the government in 2018 that, under certain conditions, permitted postponing military service until age 30. The situation is primarily generated because of an older member of the boy band, Jin, who will turn 30 in December and will be required to be drafted the following year under the current standards.
In 2018, Military Service Act modification permitted K-pop celebrities to request a postponement if they have been recognized with awards from the government for enhancing South Korea’s cultural impact around the globe. After receiving the nation’s Hwagwan orders of cultural merit during the Korean Popular Culture & Arts Awards, all seven members of BTS were eligible. Due to the following aspects, some also referred to the law as the BTS Law.
During a parliamentary session, South Korea’s defence minister, Lee Jong-sup, said that by enabling BTS to continue performing while serving, the military would be able to serve national interests while not hurting the diminishing pool of soldiers due to low birth rates.
“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,” he added. “As many people highly value (artists serving) in the military, that may help boost their popularity even more,” he continued.
BTS also reached to greater height last year at the American Music Awards, where they bagged the artist of the year title. K-pop stars’ success didn’t end there; they were also invited to make an appearance at the United Nations. In May, BTS met with US President Joe Biden, during which they discussed discrimination and hate crimes against Asians.
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