The greatest talking point in the room has long been whether Kim Seokjin, the oldest member of the K-pop group BTS, will serve in the military. The Bangtan Boys’ future is in the hands of their country’s lawmakers, and neither the internationally renowned South Korean band nor their label, Hybe Labels, have commented on the looming problem.
BTS shocked their worldwide audience by declaring that they will not be participating in any group activities. In the nation that has been setting global pop-culture trends, headed by BTS, now dubbed the largest boyband in the world, the abrupt decision has reignited discussion over mandatory military service.
All able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve in the military for around two years as part of efforts to guard against a hostile North Korea. However, this need for military service has generated significant controversy in South Korea. Over time, specific groups of men have been granted exemptions, allowing them to postpone serving for a set period of time or serve for a shorter period of time. These men include those who place first or second in competitions for classical music or dance as well as those who win medals at the Olympics or Asian Games.
Globally renowned K-pop singers were permitted to delay their duty until the age of 30 under a 2019 amendment to the legislation.
The results of the discussions in parliament will have a profound impact on BTS, especially on-stage name Jin, the group’s eldest member. The seven BTS members have long been portrayed by the band’s management organization as eager to carry out their duties, but Jin’s time is running out. The 29-year-old vocalist has postponed his duty for as long as he can, but when he turns 30 in December of this year, he will be facing the impending threat of a full stay, which would entail two years away from the spotlight.
BTS are taking a vacation from performing, according to Yoon Sang-hyun, the legislator who introduced the amendment to add a three-week training program for K-pop singers. Yoon Sang-hyun claims that waiting for the parliament to approve has been extremely stressful. The members claimed that they were tired and needed a break, but Jin’s military duty was the true cause, Yoon told Reuters.
