Should BTS serve in South Korean military? What's the raging debate all about?

 | Updated: Apr 27, 2022, 09:00 PM IST

There has been a lot of debate around BTS and their military service status. For the last two years, there has been a lot of confusion around whether they should join or skip the military service - so here we have answered all the questions - when they will join, a little history and how the ARMY is reacting to all of this. 

 

BTS to serve in the Army this year?

BTS boy's mandatory military service has been a cause of concern for all the ARMY and the South Korean government for a year now.

With a lot of uncertainty looming around, there has been a possibility that all the boys will serve their military service all together at one time.

As per the Soompi, a report published on April 21 about HYBE that BTS will enrol in the army together, “It is predicted that the BTS members will enlist in the military simultaneously before mid-2022. Considering the effect of the content that will be pre-produced ahead of their enlistments, the actual period of inactivity will be around one year. '' Research analyst Yoo Sung Man wrote.

(Photograph:Twitter)

A little history

Last year, South Korea’s parliament passed a bill that allowed BTS boys to postpone their mandatory military service to age 30. The special amendment to the Military Service Act was done for BTS.

(Photograph:Twitter)

BTS

BTS enjoys a worldwide following and has so far sold over 32 million albums. The boy band has won over two Grammys and has become the first K-pop band who has taken the No.1 spot on the US and UK charts. 

Since their debut from the year 2013, the boys have contributed billions of dollars to the South Korean economy and the group alone attracts thousands of tourists from around the world, so living a life away from the media glare not only will impact them but also the South Korean government and ARMY ofcource!

 

(Photograph:Twitter)

What netizens are saying?

Netizens and BTS Army have been debating a lot about weather they should serve or skip the military service. Some users are in support while others just can't imagine their world without K-pop members. 

(Photograph:Twitter)
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BTS

According to South Korean mandatory military service law, all men between the age of 18 and 28 are required to serve in the country’s military for at least 20 months. And like all men, BTS members are no different.

 

(Photograph:Al Drago ©️ 2020 The New York Times)

Jin will leave the band for Army

BTS member Jin will turn 30 this year in December so the big question looms over whether he will follow the country's law or will continue making music. 

Apart from him, Suga is also 28 years old, while J-Hope is 27. RM is 27 years old whereas V and Jimin are 26 years old. Jungkook is only 24.

(Photograph:Twitter)