Hallyu stars are now able to delay their military enlistment until they are 30 years old. On Dec. 1, the National Assembly held a plenary meeting and decided to add an amendment to the Military Service Act, allowing those with excellence merit in pop culture and art the chance of postponing their military service.
The government plans to formulate a Presidential Decree that musicians and artists who have received the Order of Cultural Merit from the government or have received a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism are given a chance to delay their enlistment.
Knowing this, eyes are focused on these male idols, as they have the highest chance of being able to delay their military enlistment. See who they are here.
1. BTS's Jin
Jin, the oldest member of BTS, was born on Dec. 4, 1992, and will be turning 28-years-old this year. He will be the first member of the group to enlist in the military. However, back in Oct. 2018, BTS became the youngest recipient of the Order of Cultural Merit by the South Korean president, meaning he is eligible to delay his military enlistment.
BTS is gaining popularity all around the world. They are the first K-pop group to have number one hit on the Billboard 100... and they have three! The boys his number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Dynamite", "Savage Love (Laxed Beat - Remix)", and "Life Goes On".
2. EXO's Baekhyun
EXO member Baekhyun, who previously made headlines for having his EP "Delight" sell over 1 million copies, making it the first album by a soloist in South Korea to sell over a million copies in 19 years, is also expected to delay his military enlistment.
Baekhyun, who was born in May 6, 1992, is expected to receive a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism thanks to his popularity both internationally and domestically. Back in Nov. 2017, EXO received a Prime Minister Commendation at the Korean Popular Culture and Art Reward. The merit is given to recognize those who have excelled in their respective fields.
3. EXO's Chanyeol
Chanyeol, like Baekhyun, was also expected to enlist in the military this year. Now, however, it is looking like he is most likely going to be eligible to postpone his military enlistment. Besides his activities with EXO, Chanyeol has promoted in a successful unit with member Sehun, with their album selling half-a-million copies. Because of this, it is expected that he will receive a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Tourism.
4. MONSTA X's Shownu
MONSTA X leader Shownu is another idol born in 1992 and will be turning 30 years old in Korea next year. He was expected to enlist by the end of the year or early next year, but it appears the chances of him being able to delay his enlistment is relatively high.
MONSTA X recently released a surprise collaboration with Snoop Dogg, a world-renowned rapper. The group continues to promote Korean culture and language in the West. The group also continues to work hard by participating in cultural heritage campaigns. Because of this, Shownu will likely receive a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Tourism.
5. INFINITE's L
Born in 1992 and currently 28 years old this year, L has actively engaged in group activities with INFINITE, has released numerous OSTs, and has even made a name for himself as an actor. L, who is loved as both an idol and an actor, is received support from international and domestic fans for his dramas SBS's "Master's Sun" and JTBCs's "Ms. Hammurabi". Because of his success in dramas and music, it is highly likely that he will receive a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Tourism.
Is your bias going to enlist soon?
Source: Insight
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Written by Alexa L.
