K-pop stars BTS to serve military duty

Seoul: Acclaimed K-POP boy band BTS will serve their mandatory military service in South Korea, starting with its oldest member Jin aka Kim Seok Jin, their agency said on Monday. 

The confirmation ends years of debate over whether the K-pop stars might be exempted from military duties.

"All other members will also serve mandatory military duty according to their plans," their management group HYBE said in a regulatory filing.

“After the phenomenal concert to support Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030, and as each individual embarks on solo endeavors, it’s the perfect time and the members of BTS are honored to serve,” the statement read.

[공지] 방탄소년단 병역 이행 및 향후 활동 계획 안내 (+ENG/JPN/CHN) pic.twitter.com/jntF90agO4

— BIGHIT MUSIC (@BIGHIT_MUSIC) October 17, 2022

Jin, who was born in 1992, is 30 years old in Korean age this year, will be the first to enlist in the military, after he finishes the schedule for his solo release, which is set for the end of October. 

The vocalist had initially requested to delay his military enlistment until December 31. He is expected to enlist in the military as soon as he receives his enlistment notice.

Officials had previously discussed holding a public survey to determine whether the group would be granted an exemption on military service. It was also debated whether K-pop stars could have their service shortened from two years to three weeks.  

As per several media reports, South Korean Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup told politicians his ministry would look into the group's economic impact, the importance of military service and overall national interest.  

A 2019 revision of the law already allowed globally recognised stars to put off their service until they were 30. 

In South Korea, all able-bodied men aged 18-28 must serve about two years as part of efforts to defend against North Korea. However, some categories have won exemptions, or served shorter terms—including Olympics and Asian Games medal winners and classical musicians and dancers— who won top prizes at certain competitions. 

BTS is expected to reconvene as a group around 2025.