Will BTS receive a military service exemption?
Talks about exempting BTS members from serving in the military emerged as fans look forward to Jin's 30th birthday. The group's oldest member will turn 30 in December — the age the decree BTS Law stated as the supposed time people who have made "great contributions" to Korean pop culture should start serving.
As ARMYs are now a few months away from celebrating Jin's birthday, the culture minister assured that the issues surrounding the enlistment would be resolved within this year.
ALSO READ: Squid Game Star Lee Jung Jae Tops October Movie Star Brand Reputation Rankings
BTS' Military Service Exemption To Be Determined Soon
Following Rep. Lee Yong Ho's plea for government to consider granting BTS exemptions, Culture Minister Park Bo Gyoon assured on Wednesday that his ministry would resolve the issues and determine whether to give the idol group exemptions by December.
It is the time Jin has to join the army and serve the country.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Park Soo Hong Update After Hospitalization: Comedian Follows Schedule After His Father Assaulted Him
"The ministry will determine its position as early as possible as the conscription issue of BTS' oldest member Jin will be concluded in December," culture minister Park Go Gyoon said, per The Korea Times.
He never showed a clear stand regarding the issue, but he has since declared that public opinion is the most important factor in determining the solution to the problem.
The culture minister repeatedly told everyone that he started reviewing factors, which include the fact that military service is sacred duty men in South Korea should follow.
Government Members Pushing For BTS Military Service
The culture minister's statement came after defense minister Lee Jong Sup said on Tuesday that it is "desirable that members of BTS carry out their mandatory military service."
But instead of the usual service, a proposed amendment would offer pop culture artists have 34-month alternative service instead.
Their thoughts resonated with what he previously explained during the National Assembly in September, where he said it would not be easy to exempt the members due to "aspects of fairness on fulfilling mandatory military service."
ALSO READ: NCT 127 Confirms Good Morning America Appearance Amid World Tour
Check back for more stories, updates, and rumors about BTS here at EpicStream!