Members of K-pop boy band BTS may continue to perform overseas while performing their military service, South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup said Monday (August 1).
Indeed, the country is currently debating the reduction of compulsory military service for K-pop stars, which would then drop from two years to three weeks.
The question of military service arises for the group because the oldest member, Jin, will be 30 years old next year, the age limit to perform it.
Under a 2019 law review, globally recognized K-pop stars were allowed to defer service for up to 30 years.
Military service is highly controversial in South Korea, where all able-bodied males between the ages of 18 and 28 must perform their duty, as part of defense efforts against nuclear-armed North Korea.
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Over the years, some categories have gained exemptions that allow them to postpone their service or perform a shorter service, including Olympic and Asian Games medalists, and musicians and classical dancers who win top prizes. of certain competitions.
Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, who spoke at the parliamentary session, said that by allowing BTS to continue performing, the military could serve national interests without affecting personnel resources already reduced due to the low birth rate.
“Even if they join the army, there would be a way to give them a chance to train and perform together if there are concerts scheduled overseas,”
"As a lot of people are very fond of
[servant artists]
in the military, this could help boost their popularity even more,"
the minister added.
BTS management Big Hit did not respond to a request for comment.
Already in April, a Big Hit official said some members were having a
“difficult time”
due to uncertainties in the parliamentary debate, calling for a decision.
Then, the group made up of seven singer-dancers announced last June a break from their musical activities to pursue solo projects, pleading exhaustion and denouncing the
“star system”
.
A group with 43 billion dollars
Since their debut in 2013, BTS has grown into a world-famous boy band.
Their hugely popular members are seen as ambassadors for part of the world's youth through their upbeat hits and social campaigns aimed at empowering young people.
BTS became the first Asian group to win Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards last year, and they met with US President Joe Biden at the White House in May to discuss hate crimes targeting Asians. .
A South Korean study estimated in 2018 that BTS would bring a total economic benefit of 56 trillion won ($43 billion) between 2014 and 2023.
