Are the BTS members exempted from enlisting in the military? Their achievements as a K-pop Global group are now being taken into consideration whether they will join the military or not.
Keep reading to know what the Korean government thinks of it.
BTS to join the military? Septet's Contributions to Korea being Considered for their Exemption to the Enlistment
The Korean Music Contents Association once again gave their opinion regarding the special cases of military service for K-Pop artists. Now, BTS' achievements are being looked at to see if it will exempt them from joining.
When BTS achieved worldwide popularity, there has been a continuous argument about their future in the Korean music industry and their military enlistment.
BTS brought approximately five billion dollars yearly to South Korea's economy. With their continued success and diplomatic recognition, the South Korean government proposed a bill last December 2020 that raised the age of joining the military from 28 to 30 years old for K-pop artists.
The septet boosted tourism in Korea. Because of them, there have been a lot of K-pop fans all over the world who wanted to learn how to speak Korean.
Also, there is an increasing interest in Korea's culture, beauty, food, music, television and movies.
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K-Pop Artists and Military Service
Since then, K-Pop idols have been enlisted for mandatory military service. However, it was noticed that if a group member is absent during the group's activities because of the enlistment, the K-Pop group's popularity decreases.
It is a rule in South Korea that all male citizens are obliged to serve the military for 18 months. Originally, the age of enlisting was 28 years old, then last year it was adjusted to 30 years old.
The ones who are enlisted in the military will be required to spend two years in the military before reaching the age of 30. This ruling is required for all men born in South Korea, with the exception of athletes and persons with disabilities.
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Korean Government's Decision for BTS
With the report released by the National Defense Commission last time, Secretary-General Choi Kwang-ho of the Korean Music Contents Association stated that if ever there are no publicly reliable and representative indicators like the Olympics and competitions in the field of popular culture and arts, then a popular music competition could be created.
Standards should be introduced for pop culture artists. He then says that the idea is unreasonable, pointing out the contradictions in the current system.
Regarding the negative view of the military service exemption given to the K-pop artists for their economic contribution, the secretary-general says that it should also be given to businessmen as well.
The Korean Music Contents Association stated that it would continue showing evidence to support the special military service for K-Pop artists until the National Defense Committee meeting is held this month, and the association will do their best to make sure that the bill is approved.
Will the Bangtan Boys be exempted from military enlistment? Stay tuned to Kpopstarz for more updates!
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KpopStarz owns this article.
Annie Barmaine reported this.
