South Korean Defense Minister Will Allow BTS To Perform Even While Military Service

BTS (Photo: Reuters Via ANTARA)

JAKARTA - South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup said in a parliamentary meeting that K-pop boy group BTS may still be able to perform on stage abroad if they serve in the military. By allowing BTS to continue performing, the military can serve the national interest without affecting personnel resources.

"Even if they join the military, there will be a way to give them the opportunity to practice and perform together if there are concerts scheduled overseas," Lee said, quoted by Reuters on Tuesday, August 2.

"Because a lot of people value [artists who serve] in the military so much, it can help increase their popularity even more," he added.

In this regard, BTS management, Big Hit, has not yet responded to a request for comment from Reuters. South Korea is debating the issue of shortening the military service duration for K-pop stars to three weeks from what was previously set at around two years.

The issue is becoming increasingly heated considering that the oldest member of BTS, Jin, will turn 30 next year. Under South Korea's revised law in 2019, globally recognized K-pop stars are allowed to delay enlistment until the age of 30.

The military policy in South Korea has caused controversy in which all able-bodied males between the ages of 18 and 28 must fulfill their duties as part of efforts to defend themselves from North Korea's nuclear weapons.

For years, South Korea has exempted certain people from the military, either allowing a delay or a shorter duration of enlistment. Exceptions include Olympic and Asian Games medal winners as well as classical musicians and dancers who win top prizes in certain competitions.

South Korea's parliament is currently debating a bill that would shorten military service for K-pop stars. In April, a Big Hit official said some members were having a "difficult time" due to uncertainty over the parliamentary debate and urged a decision on enlistment as soon as possible.

The seven-member group announced in June that they were taking a break from group music activities to pursue their solo projects. Since their debut in 2013, BTS has become a star-studded sensation worldwide with their popular songs and social campaigns aimed at empowering young people.

BTS became the first Asian group to win Artist of the Year at the American Music Awards last year. They also briefly met with former US President Joe Biden at the White House in May to discuss hate crimes targeting Asians.

Analysts in South Korea estimated in 2018 that BTS would contribute 56 trillion won to the country's economy between 2014 and 2023.