Netizens react to the latest update about BTS’s yet-to-be-decided military service. South Korea National Defense minister Lee Jong Sup revealed the boys could still perform and do their promotional activities while doing their national duties.
BTS’s enlistment has been a widely debated topic. With the honors, recognitions and achievements Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook have brought to the country, they’re yet to be exempted from the mandatory military service.
BTS May Serve Military While Continuously Performing
So, Jong Sup seems to think of a way to let BTS do their jobs as K-pop idols and duties as citizens of South Korea.
"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 said, via Reuters. "As many people highly value (artists serving) in the military, that may help boost their popularity even more."
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According to AllKpop, Jung Sop even said the group would receive some help from the department to continue to practice and perform for the country without “violating the principles of fairness and equality.”
He even swore that the ministry would protect BTS to perform without compromising their national duties as it was unlikely they would receive a special exemption.
Fans Debate on BTS’s Military Service Exemption
The debates about whether BTS should be exempted from military service or not continue, per Koreaboo.
In South Korea, athletes who have won medals at the Olympics or gold medals at the Asian Games are exempted from being enlisted.
Sadly, the global hitmakers are not part of this exemption.
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Fans also weigh in on the minister’s suggestion, saying it may compromise the band by making them too overwork “to an unfair extent.”
They also react to the timing of their military service update, happening after J-Hope’s showstopping performance at the recent Lollapalooza.
The K-pop idol just made history after headlining the international music festival. But fans noticed that news outlets were focusing more on the group’s military news instead of celebrating J-Hope’s success.
Shortening BTS’s Military Service
Another possible way BTS can perform their military service is by shortening it to three weeks instead of two years.
The oldest member of the band, Jin, is about to turn 30 next year. So, he’s set to start his enlistment after the 2019 law revision that allowed globally recognized K-pop stars to put off their duties until 30.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18 to 28 must fulfill their military services to defend their nation against North Korea.
Over the years, some exemptions have been made. Now, the parliament is debating a bill that will shorten K-pop stars’ military service.
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