The hot topic of debate about the BTS enlisting for their mandatory military service for a long while has boiled down to a concrete decision by BIGHIT- the agency overseeing BTS(Bangtan Sonyeondan) as they prepare the idols for their mandatory military enlistment in the upcoming months. The message comes as a means of calming the nerves of the zealous ARMY that is awaiting the final confirmation of their favourite stars leaving superstardom and music to serve their nation in uniform.
This decision comes after Lee Ki Sik, commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, communicated to the lawmakers that BTS fulfilling their military duties would be “desirable” to establish fairness.
The mandatory service applies to all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 to 28 and requires an enlistment of 18-21 months under the noble ideology of service for the nation. As per the official website of the Military Manpower Administration of Korea, the mandate aims to prepare young men for the call of the nation when war-like situations arise. Defence power consists of soldiers, firepower, and equipment. No battles can be won without well-trained soldiers. The requirement helps mobilize enough manpower for wars. Fulfilling the necessity remains a promise and commitment to the nation of loyalty and any sort of exertion that comes under their ability. After the retirement of the “entertainment soldier system” in 2013, the enlistment ensues five weeks of combat training before being aligned to specific units and duties.
Official Statement by BIGHIT(@bighit.music on Instagram)
Since conscription makes it necessary to draft young males in the midst of their professional growth and studies, exemptions from service remain highly controversial. The exemption allows for athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and dancers who win top places in certain competitions as contributors to the enhancement of the nation’s prestige. The mellowed-down version of this conscription presented by the Indian Government allows “Agni-Veers” to enlist by choice yet for similar purposes. In 2022, a bill released by the South Korean Parliament allowed K-pop stars to delay the service till the time they are 30.
Other artists like EXO’s Chanyeol, SHINee’s Taemin, and Bigbang’s G-Dragon have served their nation as well in the military. Even PSY- the “Gangnam Style” artist served in the military, not once- but twice due to some circumstances.
BTS received the Hwagwan Cultural Merit Award (kworldnow.com)
The label stated that this was the right time to respect the needs of the country. The milestones and the plethora of accomplishments BTS has managed to get under their belt with continuous determination and hard work account for much of the world’s interest in Korea and its culture. Despite the initial shock and mixed reactions from fans, the idol group remains afloat with the fans wishing them good health and a safe return. Their fans continue holding their head high with the pride of following a group that is humble, transparent, and loyal in its promise to the country. They continue sending support and even making the situation light-hearted by sharing memes online as they eagerly wait for BTS's comeback in 2025.
BTS and its music shall continue to breathe beauty and happiness into the lives of its fans as stated by the CEO of HYBE-, “We have secured content in advance, which will enable BTS to continue their engagement with fans for the foreseeable future.”
