All Korean men between the age of 18 and 28 are required to serve in the country’s military for about 20 months. BTS, the South Korean Boy Band members are no different. It was reported on November 25 that all members of BTS have applied for enlistment deferral. This means that they can continue with their group activities until the year 2022.
Meanwhile, BTS’ military enlistment has been a hot topic of discussion. Apart from netizens, the general public of South Korea has also been deliberating for quite some time now.
Earlier, the National Assembly decided to include individuals in the field of popular culture and arts. These individuals contributed to enhancing the national status and dignity. Such citizens were to be included in the benefits of postponing their mandatory military enlistment.
BTS To Join Military Services After 2022
Consequently, this amendment to the ‘Military Service Act’ allowed BTS to postpone their enlistment until the age of 30. BTS was the recipient of the ‘Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit’. This is a 5th-grade order of cultural merit in 2018. Most Korean men must enlist by the age of 28. However, BTS can promote as a whole group till December 2022. Jin, the oldest member of the boy band will turn 30 years old by then.
However, on November 25 during the national assembly, the representative from the ministry of national defense made an announcement. It was stated that a more inclusive definition of the term of art and sports personnel requires further review. This would be regarding various social aspects and public consensus.
As a result, the Korean national assembly could not expand the military exemption act to include popular cultural artists. Therefore, uncertainty looms over the famous K-pop band now.
According to sources, BTS members could decide on joining the military together in mid-2022. There is no confirmation or comment on the same from the K-pop band so far.
BTS has already swept the globe in recent years and its popularity is massive. They have also set multiple records in a short period of time. Recently, Dynamite became the third most liked video on YouTube. Amid all this, will BTS decides to take a break from music and join the military?
