New bill may allow K-pop band BTS to perform during military service

Nini Lee, a South Korean fan of the K-pop boy band BTS, poses for photographs with a BTS photo during an interview with media at a cafe featuring BTS goods in Seoul, South Korea, June 15, 2022. (REUTERS)

by Reuters

Aug 01, 2022 3:29 pm

According to a statement by South Korea's defense minister on Monday, South Korea is anticipating shortening the mandatory military service of K-pop stars and pop sensation BTS. This will allow them to perform their concerts abroad during their military service.

The issue is coming sharply into focus with the oldest member of band, Jin, turning 30 next year. Under a 2019 revision of the law, globally recognized K-pop stars were allowed to put off their service until 30.

K-pop boy band BTS member Jin poses for photographs during a photo opportunity promoting their new single "Butter"d in Seoul, South Korea, May 21, 2021. (REUTERS)

Military service is hugely controversial in South Korea, where all able-bodied men aged between 18 and 28 must fulfill their duties as part of efforts to defend against nuclear-armed North Korea.

Over the years, some categories have won exemptions - either allowed to put off service or to do shorter service - including Olympics and Asian Games medal winners and classical musicians and dancers who win top prizes at certain competitions.

Parliament is now debating a bill that would shorten military service for K-pop stars.

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, speaking at the parliamentary session, said that by allowing BTS to continue performing, the military could serve national interests without affecting the already shrinking pool of personnel resources due to low birth rates.

South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo (2-L, front row) poses for a photo with K-pop group BTS (back row) members during a ceremony to appoint the septet as the promotional ambassador to host the 2030 World Expo in the southern port city of Busan, at Hybe in Seoul, 19 July 2022. (EPA)

BTS' management, Big Hit, did not respond to a request for comment.

"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," Lee said.

"As many people highly value (artists serving) in the military, that may help boost their popularity even more."

The seven-member band announced a break in June from group musical activities to pursue solo projects, pleading exhaustion.

In April, a Big Hit official said some members were having a "hard time" because of uncertainties over the parliament debate, calling for a decision.

BTS perform during the 64th Annual Grammy Awards show in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. April 3, 2022. (REUTERS)

Since their 2013 debut, BTS has become a worldwide sensation with its upbeat hits and social campaigns to empower youth.

BTS became the first Asian band to win artist of the year at the American Music Awards last year, and they met U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House in May to discuss hate crimes targeting Asians.

A South Korean think tank estimated in 2018 that BTS would bring an economic benefit totaling 56 trillion won ($43 billion) between 2014 and 2023.