BTS may soon take a hiatus to complete mandatory military service for 18 months

South Korean Ambassador to Britain Gunn Kim believes that BTS members will soon be obligated to fulfill their compulsory military service.

“It is very much expected that young Korean men serve the country, and those BTS members are role models for many young-generation Koreans,” Kim told The Sunday Times.

Kim did not give an estimated time frame as to when the group would be called to duty; however, he stated that he is “pretty sure they will fulfill their obligation to society.”

All men between the ages of 18 and 28 in South Korea are required to serve in the military for at least 18 months. In December 2020, South Korea’s national assembly passed a so-called “BTS law,” allowing K-pop entertainers who have received government medals for their achievements to postpone their enlistment until the age of 30.

The law was designed to provide an exception for K-pop stars who help to strengthen South Korea’s economy and cultural presence. It has, however, sparked controversy over whether it is fair to provide exceptions to celebrities for their achievements while ordinary citizens do not get the same treatment.

As the oldest member of BTS, Jin, who turns 30 this coming December, is expected to enlist first. Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V and Jungkook are currently 29, 28, 27, 26, 26 and 24, respectively.

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