South Korean legend BTS, who just did an AMA sweep and got nominated for another Grammy, applied for a deferment of Military Enlistment. In South Korea, men between eighteen to twenty-eight are required to serve in the military, and the exceptions to these are athletes.
The septet’s achievements and contributions to South Korea’s economy and culture remain unmatched. BTS is bringing an estimated $5 billion a year to South Korea, surpassing the airline industry. They are also the youngest receivers of the Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit. That is why their military service enlistment is being questioned. The band has stated that when their time comes, they will serve in the military.
Last year, the South Korean government passed the BTS Law, allowing K-Pop stars to postpone their military service until they turn thirty. Now, BTS applied for deferment. BTS announced that there would be no BTS Run, their variety show, for two years.
Arirang News reported that BTS applied for Military Deferment. Recent screenshots of European stadiums having the band between June and July on their websites have been spotted. Hence, rumors of a world tour are sparking all over.
Is there a chance that BTS will continue their tour before their military conscription?
Senior lawmaker Noh Woong-Rae of the Democratic Party stated that “It’s a sacred duty to defend our country, but that doesn’t mean that everyone has to carry a weapon.”
Lawmakers remain divided on the subject of exempting BTS from Military conscription. However, it seems that lawmakers continue to favor the septet as they continue to make history as South Korea’s pride.
