The announcement puts an end to a national debate in South Korea. The members of the famous K-pop group BTS will honor their military obligations, announced Monday, October 17, their label Bighit Music in a press release, which specifies that the artists “are moving forward with their plans to complete their military service”.
BTS has generated billions of dollars for the South Korean economy, and the label’s profits have continued to climb despite the pandemic and declining concert numbers. But the prospect of military service is getting closer for the members of the group, with Jin, 29, who must report by December or risk being jailed.
Because refusing to perform compulsory service is punishable by imprisonment in South Korea. All able-bodied South Korean men under the age of 30 are required to serve around two years of service, mainly because the country remains at war with North Korea in principle.
“As everyone is embarking on solo projects, this is the perfect time and the members of BTS are honored to serve.” their country, specifies the press release of the agency. “Jin will start the process as soon as (…) his solo album will be completed at the end of October »specifies the agency, while “the other members of the group plan to do their military service according to their own individual plans”.
Jin announced the release of his solo album at a concert in Busan last Saturday. In June, the septet announced a hiatus as a band to focus on solo projects.
BTS has already enjoyed a revision of the conscription law in 2020, which raised the age limit from 28 to 30 for certain artists. Exemptions from military service are granted to some elite athletes, such as Olympic medalists, and classical musicians – but pop stars are not eligible.
Seoul’s defense minister had said in August that BTS could be allowed to continue performing and preparing for international concerts while fulfilling their military obligations.