The final pronouncement regarding BTS members’ fate on their future military enlistments now declared! Korea’s Military Manpower Administration says BTS is officially not exempt from the mandatory military service enlistment.
A government task force was previously formed to investigate whether artistically recognized groups such as BTS warrant an exemption from military service. The decision is backed by the special power earned by classical artists and athletes who compete and perform exemplarily on global platforms.
Because of BTS’ economic and cultural contribution to K-Pop and South Korea as a whole, fans and Korean citizens have discussed whether the superstars should be granted military enlistment exemption.
The ruling party on Monday floated the possibility of offering the members of K-pop group BTS an alternative to their required military service as a thank-you for the boy band's massive economic and cultural impact. @BTS_twt #방탄소년단 #BTShttps://t.co/diEy2zmOUD pic.twitter.com/lLFNSCNymJ
— The Korea JoongAng Daily (@JoongAngDaily) October 5, 2020
The final judgment
The Military Manpower Administration on October 9 officially announced that RM, Suga, V, Jungkook, J-Hope, Jin, and Jimin are not exempt from their mandatory military service duties. And though other government officials have stated that the Big Hit Entertainment group will have to serve, MMA had previously remained silent regarding the issue.
It's Official… BTS Will Not Be Exempt From The Military, According To The Korean Governmenthttps://t.co/mknL14wmXb
— Koreaboo (@Koreaboo) October 9, 2020
The rule of military service
As per Yonhap‘s report, all non-disabled young men of South Korea are compelled to serve in the military for about two years for the national defense against North Korea. And due to the country’s ongoing tensions with its other half, South Korea is technically still at war with North Korea since 1953.
According to the Culture Minister of South Korea, Park Yang-woo, “Unlike sports and classical arts, it is hard to fix the selection criteria in the popular culture and arts fields, which makes it difficult to institutionalize (a waiver system).”
BTS Jin can postpone military service enlistment
The MMA, in the past, has granted a military exemption to Olympic athletes and classical musicians. With celebrities, it seems that the governing bodies are not willing to grant an exemption. The BTS members, however, might be eligible for a postponement of their enlistment. As stated in the current law, all citizens who wish to defer their service must apply.
Furthermore, Jin will be serving in the next two years if BTS does not apply for a deferral of his enlistment.
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