Following the changes of the military rules and regulations to the mandatory serving for the country of South Korean men over the age of 27, BTS Jin, who is currently at the age of 27, may face travel restrictions due to his upcoming enlistment.
This 2020, permit for work overseas is needed as a requirement for permission to travel that will come from the head of South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) given that an idol is not yet over the age of 27, and still haven't completed the two years of required training and service who will become the reserve force in case of any chaos arises in South Korea.
Furthermore, permission will be granted under the condition of "promotion works shall be an edge for Korean culture to be known," in a specific country or countries that an idol will be going to go. This is to ensure that one is not going to run away from his responsibilities to his country despite him being an idol or known personality.
Thus, BTS Jin is not exempted from this rule. Before traveling, Jin must seek permission first from the Ministry. However, the effect of this rule may not be felt by the fans and the members yet, for as of now, there were no announced schedule or tour dates from Big Hit Entertainment for the upcoming year 2020.
Not later this year, netizens and fans of the idol group, including millions of ARMYs, demanded to grant BTS a military exemption. The fandom also trended various hashtags to allow this. Reports of the consideration and possibilities came out, including how Congressman Kim Byung Wook acknowledges BTS as a representation of South Korea's pride, which elevates their national reputation, not only to music as well as to the economy.
Though, it was a lengthy discussion, because of the new government that passes new law and constitution regarding military enlistment, which causes for the decreased number of personality which can be exempted. Athletes, musicians, and other celebrities have the chance to have a waiver exempting them from the duty, but due to stricter application of these rules, Korean idols have small opportunities to got this.
As a result, BTS will have to enlist, as well as other Korean idols, when they reach the age of 28. Fans were saddened by this news, but they were eventually lifted by the thoughts that BTS Jin said that he was ready to serve the country when the duty calls him already.
On the other hand, before the enlistment and continuing as a 6-member group for future promotions, BTS still dominates the worldwide charts and the billboard, as well as proving how influential they are with the constant trends around social media sites, an idol that was respected when it comes to their talent and artistry.
They finished their 'Love Yourself' world tour last October, and so far, there was no announcement regarding their plans, such as comebacks.
