Legendary Boy Band BTS Can Now Adjourn Military Service Until They Become 30
In The Republic of Korea, it is mandatory that, all men who are South Korean citizens and between the ages 18 – 28 must enlist in the military as per Article 39 of the South Korean Constitution. While this enlistment has its own benefits, the mandatory enlistment has many a times slowed many young men from exhibiting their talents, as they must keep in mind the enrolment and take further, necessary steps towards careers, dreams, and goals.
After BTS’ single hit “Dynamite” hit the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 an amendment for the act was put forward in September and was passed by the Parliament, which is now widely referred to as the “BTS LAW.” Kim Seok Jin, the hyung aka the oldest member of the band, who is about to turn 28 on December 4 and Min Yoongi on March 3, were presented with the news.
Fans all around the world feared that the military enlistment could decelerate their career since this is the golden age of youth and BTS is flourishing. Though the duration of the enlistment depends on the service branch, it would be about two years approximately. Since 2018, all the members of the band have been eligible for deferral after being rewarded for their impact around the world, culturally.
When the ruling party first raised about BTS being exempted from military duty, it brought up a lot of controversy. Culture Minister Park Yang Woo in a parliamentary inspection said, “I think we must consider this matter positively.” Now the revised bill allows South Korean artists to postpone military service, provided government recognition. Click here if you would like to read the full article about the parliamentary inspection.
The BTS members have already said that they are willing to fulfill their military service. In fact, Jin addressed this during the press conference after the release of their album, Map of the Soul: 7,
“Nothing has been decided yet and this is a sensitive topic but I believe that military service is a duty. If I am called, I am ready to serve anytime. If things are decided, I will try to do the best I can.”
– Kim Seok Jin
The Korea Music Content Association (KMCA) recently disclosed that they have filed a complaint, a written objection against BTS’ military laws laid by the South Korean government and further expressed that Article 12-3 of the Enforcement Decree of the Military Service Act was unrealistic. The written objection was submitted to the Military of National Defense by KMCA, on behalf of 26 agencies that are registered with the same. “KMCA along with 26 member agencies request that the Military Service Act contribute to the development of K-pop and the enhancement of the national prestige,” they stated.
“It is not reasonable to base the qualification on the Order of Cultural Merit. It is nearly impossible for individuals who are in their twenties to receive the Order of Cultural Merit because one of the criteria for this medal is that the individual must have been active in the field of pop culture and art for more than fifteen years. Which means the K-Pop artists who start their activities in their late teens must be at least in their 20s to be eligible to receive the merit. Therefore, they cannot meet the ordinance that allows them to postpone their enlistment until the age of 30 and the revised law is of no use.”
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