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BTS band members likely to serve in South Korea army after being denied exemption

Men between 18 and 28 must serve in the military

Clémence Michallon
New York
Friday 20 September 2019 18:04 BST
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K-pop sensation BTS performs on Saturday Night Live

Members of boy band BTS could have to serve in the South Korean army after reportedly being denied an exemption.

Men in South Korea are required to participate in mandatory military service between the ages of 18 and 28.

The youngest member of BTS is 22 years old, while its oldest member, Jin, will turn 27 this December – meaning the question of whether the seven performers will have to serve in the army has been on fans’ minds.

While some have been hoping that BTS members would be exempt from serving, officials from the Korean Ministry of Defense have now told The Hollywood Reporter that that won’t be a possibility, the website reports.

“The Ministry of Defense is currently debating with related authorities on improving the current alternate service [program] in place of conscription, but nothing has been decided as to when a change may take effect,” an official said.

Some artists have in the past secured exemptions due to health or financial issues, but none of them are currently adequate for the members of BTS.

Jin addressed the possibility of having to serve in the South Korean army during an interview with CBS in April this year.

“As a Korean, it’s natural. And someday when duty calls, we’ll be ready to respond and do our best,” he said.

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RM, another member aged 25, said of the band’s approach to fame and success: ”We just enjoy the ride, live in the moment, and that’s all we can do.”

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