Group management has previously asked if drafting for BTS members could be postponed. This request has now been withdrawn by management.
South Korean law requires all men between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve in the military for at least 18 months. For K-pop stars, the age limit has been raised to thirty. Recently, the government suggested abolishing conscription for this group altogether. They should therefore only undergo training.
Kim Seok-jin, the oldest member of the group, will turn 30 in early December and take up a job, his spokesperson said. This also applies to the other members. For example, singer Min Yoon-gi turns 30 in March. The other members are 28 years old or younger. It is not yet known when they will begin military service. Meanwhile they work on solo projects.
Three years ago, when K-pop had become one of South Korea’s biggest exports thanks to the success of BTS, it was suggested that K-pop stars should be exempted from military service.
K-pop is one of the fastest growing industries in South Korea. Artists record hits around the world, travel from continent to continent for their tours, and are known to often maintain close contact with their fans. In addition, they earn a lot of money. If they suddenly can’t perform for at least a year and a half, this leads to a big gap in their resume.
