According to their representatives, the largest boy band in the world, BTS, will leave its fans "army" and enlist in the South Korean military for national duty. The decision puts an end to years of discussion about the K-pop artists' potential exemption from military service.
Every man between the ages of 18 and 28 who is physically fit is required to serve two years. The seven BTS members were permitted to delay their conscription until they were 30. Jin, the oldest, is now 29 years old.
The band's management said on Monday that he will
start preparing next month. All seven of the group's members, the youngest of
whom is 25 years old, likewise intend to complete their duty, it added.
The major reason why South Korea still requires its
citizens to serve in the military is because it officially remains at war with
its neighbor and nuclear-armed North Korea.
The band had already been granted a deferral when,
in 2020, a law was approved by the South Korean government permitting the best
K-pop artists to postpone their obligations until the age of 30.
Just a few months ago, BTS said that they would be
taking a vacation while some of the members worked on solo projects.
The K-pop trio, known for bouncy, catchy songs like
Dynamite and Butter, has been the best-selling artist in the world for the
previous two years. They have also received accolades for their support of
youths' mental health.
Many South Koreans consider the band to be national
treasures, and several MPs had recommended that they be given an exemption so
they could continue playing. Olympic medalists and other accomplished athletes,
classical musicians, and dancers have all received such exemptions.
The band's managers, however, said in a statement
released on Monday that the musicians were happy to do their obligations.
According to their agency, Jin, who had first requested that his service start
date be postponed, has withdrawn that request.
According to the announcement, the band probably
wouldn't reunite for at least a few years.
The management business of BTS released a statement
saying, "Both the company and the members of BTS are looking forward to
reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service
commitment."
In August, while the band's future was being
discussed, the South Korean defense minister had made the suggestion that they
may continue to play while enlisting.