Are more K-POP Idols enlisting soon?
The Republic of Korea has had a mandatory rule in the country since 1957, that all men must enlist in the military for a stipulated period. The Military Service Act of 1949 whose implementation began in 1957, states that men who have turned 18 will have to compulsorily complete their mandatory military services. 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.
According to the updated South Korean law that was released on June 6, 2021, South Koreans who are born in foreign countries but have spent three years and more in the country, will now have to serve in the military.
Until last year, idols with dual nationalities or who lived overseas, did not have to serve in the military. However, the updated law is not exactly in their favor of the idols/fans.
The new law states that, people with a dual citizenship have two options, one serve in the military or two, drop their Korean nationality and will henceforth be considered outlanders. If they choose to give drop their Korean nationality, they will be exempted from enlisting. If they wish to keep their dual nationalities, they are left with no choice but to enlist.
Idols like Mark and Johnny of NCT, American and Canadian respectively, & Jacob and Kevin of THE BOYZ’, both Canadian, do not have to enlist has they currently hold non-Korean passports, and will be considered as foreigners. This list also includes BM of KARD, who holds an American citizenship. However, THE BOYZ’ Eric moved to the United States after he was born in South Korea, hence the case will probably be different.
Stray Kids’ Aussie line, Bang Chan and Felix, have decided to retain just one nationality and have opted their Australian citizenship. SEVENTEEN’s Vernon is part American and has chosen to keep his dual citizenship, meaning he will definitely serve in the mandatory military service. Jake of ENHYPEN also holds a dual citizenship, Korean-Australian, but so far there has been no news on what he has chosen.
In other related news, BTS members can push their military enlistment until they turn 30, according to the amended laws owing to their immense contribution towards the spread of Korean culture and the economy.
To know more about BTS’ enlistment laws, check out our article,
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