Members of South Korean Boy Band and Internet sensation BTS aren’t going to get any leeway or ‘special status’ over the South Korean Government which requires all of its able-bodied’ men to serve in the military.
As per South Korean laws, it is mandatory for its citizens to register with the Military for a minimum of two years. And it is, at no cost, going to exempt the 7 members of the BTS.
According to Reuters, the South Korean official statement read–
“Exempting pop culture artists from military service even though they have made a contribution to the country’s reputation is not in line with the government’s stance to uphold justice and fairness.”
South Korean men once they turn 18 are examined by the Military Manpower Administration and then drafted in the military. It is exempted for women and for athletes, and that too only if they’ve won medals in the Asian Games or the Olympics. For instance, Son Heung-min, a football player playing in the English Premier league got a free pass of not having to join the military after he helped his national side win the Gold medal in the Asian Games.
Many Soth Korean citizens though, want the BTS members to be exempted from joining the military considering their fame
and making K-pop an international sensation. Looks like the Government will have its way.
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