Korean pop group, BTS has recently performed their concert, Permission To Dance in Las Vegas, The United States (US). The group had attended a press conference at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

While responding to a question during the press conference, BTS member Jin said: “I talked a lot with the company and entrusted all military service-related tasks with the company.”

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Their agency HYBE CCO, Lee Jin Hyung also addressed the concerns related to BTS mandatory military service, “The BTS members have currently left the matter of their military service in the hands of the company. BTS has already conveyed the message multiple times that they will accept the call of duty whenever the nation calls them, and they have not changed this opinion. However, the policy on military service has changed a little, and as the members are experiencing changes to the Military Service Act that they did not expect, they are currently monitoring the situation while discussing the matter with the company.”

It is to be noted that South Korea has set the threshold of maximum age limit for a man to get enrolled for mandatory service at 28 years. However, according to a new amendment to a law that was passed in December 2020 was dubbed as “BTS military service amendment”. This law allows artists who receive recognition from the government could delay their military enlistment till they are 30 years old. The changes were done because of the group’s contribution to the economy during the pandemic.

Jin will turn 30 years this year in December so he has to enlist before the end of the year 2022. However, some members proposed a bill in the Korean National Assembly to exempt BTS from mandatory military enlistment on the account of their contribution to the South Korean economy. Currently, this bill is under debate in the National Assembly and has not reached a final agreement on the bill.

CCO further added, “To put it precisely, the policy on military service is changing, and it’s true that the BTS members are having a hard time because it’s difficult for them to predict the timing [of their military service]. Since it’s difficult for them to make plans, both the BTS members and the company are currently keeping a close eye on the proposed amendment.”

In South Korea, every mature man between 18 and 28 age is required to fulfill their military enlistment for about 2 years. Those people who cannot enlist in mandatory military service on the basis of health issues, personal, and religious beliefs can enroll in alternatives such as public service workers.