Talks about BTS' mandatory military service continue to be a hot topic in the South Korean government.
South Korea is among the countries that require men ages 18 to 28 years old to serve in the military. For K-pop idols and entertainers, the government approved the decree BTS Law in 2020, which allows people who have made "great contributions" to Korean pop culture not to serve until they are 30 years old.
Until now, the decision regarding their enlistment remains unknown. But the defense minister formally shared his thoughts regarding the matter.
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Latest Update on BTS' Military Service
Korea JoongAng Daily reported that defense minister Lee Jong Sup announced on Tuesday that it is "desirable that members of BTS carry out their mandatory military service" after Democratic Party congressman Yoon Hu-duk asked him about the situation.
For what it's worth, the congressman made the question during the National Defense Committee's interpellation session. He asked Lee Jong Sup whether he supports the proposed request to amend the current Military Service Act by Democratic Party lawmaker Kim Young-bae.
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Once passed, it would allow pop culture artists — like BTS — to serve as "Art and Sports Personnel." Instead of the two-year mandatory military service, they would have a 34-month alternative service.
It remains unknown whether BTS will be exempted from it or not. But Jin, the oldest member of the group, might need to start his enlistment in December as he turns 30 that month.
BTS Exemption Would Be Difficult
Before the defense ministry's comment, he previously said during the National Assembly last month that exempting BTS would not be easy because of "aspects of fairness on fulfilling mandatory military service."
A lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea's main opposition still suggested a revised bill that exempts BTS and other decorative pop stars. This resonated with what South Korea's Culture, Sports and Tourism minister Hwang Hee said in May, saying that it is time to create a system regarding the service,
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