The South Korean Defense Minister recently talked about the polemic of the BTS members' mandatory military service . There is a new debate that allows reducing the duration of military service from about 2 years to 3 weeks for BTS. Military service is a very sensitive topic in South Korea.
It is known that all healthy male citizens between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve in the military as part of efforts to defend themselves against North Korean attacks. However, a number of exceptions were made for some circles. Either in the form of reduction or complete exemption from military service.
Among those allowed to be exempt are athletes who won Olympic and Asian Games medals, as well as classical musicians and dancers who won top prizes in certain competitions. The parliament is currently debating a bill that would shorten the military enlistment for BTS. Regarding this matter, Lee Jong Sup, as the Minister of Defense of South Korea, expressed his opinion regarding the polemic that occurred.
According to him, BTS still has to undergo military service. But in the process, they are allowed to perform and hold concerts. "Even though they will be serving in the military, there will be a way to give BTS members the opportunity to continue practicing and performing together when there are concerts abroad," explained Lee Jong Sup.
"Because many people really appreciate (artists who are serving in the military), this can help increase BTS's popularity even more," he concluded. Regarding this matter, BigHit Entertainment and HYBE as management still have not commented.
Meanwhile, BTS is currently focusing on solo activities. J-Hope is the first member to debut solo with the release of the album Jack in the Box. He also recently successfully completed an appearance at the Lollapalooza music festival and became the first Korean artist to headline a major US music festival.
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