While many fans of the K-pop sensation hoped that the band members would receive special attention due to their contribution to South Korea’s economy and international prestige, the artists will serve almost two years in the military. Jin, the group’s oldest member, will be the first to change from his stage outfit to a uniform shortly after turning 30 in December, media reported. The other six members, born between 1993 and 1997, will follow suit, with the group expected to reform around 2025, according to their management company, Big Hit Music. Big Hit, a member of BTS’s Hybe agency, said on Monday that the group members are “moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service,” adding that “as each person embarks on solo endeavors, it is the perfect time and the members of BTS are honored to serve”. “Group member Jin will begin the process once his schedule for his solo release at the end of October is complete,” a statement added. “Other members of the group plan to perform their military service based on their own individual plans.” All able-bodied South Korean men under the age of 30 must serve in the military for 18 to 21 months – a duty intended to maintain the country’s ability to defend itself against a possible attack by North Korea, with which it is technically still at war. A number of prominent South Koreans have received exemptions or been allowed to perform alternative public service, including Olympic and Asian Games medal winners and award-winning classical musicians and dancers. They include Seong-jin Cho, the first Korean pianist to win the International Chopin Piano Competition, and Tottenham footballer Son Heung-min, Olympic gold medalist at the 2018 Asian Games. Some South Korean lawmakers had expressed support for an exemption, despite concerns that it would spark accusations of favoritism, particularly among other young men who have no choice but to serve. Refusing to complete military service is a crime in South Korea and can lead to imprisonment and social stigma, as actor and singer Steve Yoo found out when he was deported and barred from entering the country after avoiding conscription by becoming a naturalized citizen of the USA. 2002, months before he was due to be drafted. Earlier this month, Lee Ki-sik, commissioner of the military manpower administration, told lawmakers that it would be “desirable” for band members to perform their military duties to ensure fairness in the country’s military service. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The decision comes months after BTS announced they were taking a break as a group to focus on solo careers. The group reunited to hold a free concert Saturday in Busan to support the port city’s campaign to host the 2030 World Expo. The award-winning group has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and earned two Grammy nominations on their way to topping the US and UK charts.
