K-Pop in Uniform: All 7 BTS Members Are Doing Military Service
The seven members of the K-pop band BTS have officially begun their mandatory military service in South Korea. Fans are feeling the pain of their absence, as any potential reunion concert is at least a year and a half away. This article explores the debate surrounding whether BTS should have been exempt from military service due to their contributions to the country's economy and cultural exports.
The Beginning of Military Service
On Tuesday, the last two BTS members, Jimin and Jungkook, started their 18-month military duty in South Korea. This marked the beginning of all seven members fulfilling their mandatory service, which has left many fans feeling the pain of their absence. Any potential reunion concert is now postponed for at least a year and a half.
The enlistments of the BTS members began in December of the previous year, starting with Jin, the oldest member, who entered a military training center near the North Korean border. J-Hope and Suga enlisted a few months later, followed by RM and V on Monday. Suga is performing an alternative form of military service as a social service agent.
Debate Over Exemptions
The collective conscription of BTS members has reignited the discussion in South Korea about whether pop stars should be exempt from mandatory military service. While able-bodied men over 18 are typically required to serve in the military, there are some exemptions for Olympic champions and classical musicians who win international competitions. However, exemptions for pop stars do not exist, leading to debates about whether BTS deserved an exemption due to their contributions to the country's economy and cultural exports.
In 2020, South Korea's Parliament made revisions to the law, allowing cultural and artistic icons to defer their enlistment until the age of 30. This provided some relief for Jin, who would have been required to enlist in 2020 if not for the revision. However, lawmakers did not create a new category of exemptions specifically for entertainers.
Goodbyes and Tributes
Some BTS members took to social media to bid farewell to civilian life before starting their military service. RM posted on the social media platform Weverse, expressing that 'the day has finally come' and saying 'see you in the future.' V uploaded pictures of his new buzz cut, a requirement for recruits starting their basic training program. He also mentioned missing the band's passionate fan base, known as ARMY.
Fans have been sharing tributes to the band members on social media, expressing a range of emotions from sadness to optimism. The band's music label, Big Hit Music, urged fans to avoid gathering at the enlistment sites to prevent safety accidents. Ceremonies for new recruits are reserved for family members, and no special events were scheduled for the BTS members.
