South Korea discuss law for BTS to go to mandatory military service just for 1 month

Since last year, there has been discussion about the possibility of BTS members being exempted from this procedure, which is mandatory for all male South Korean citizens. However, this has generated mixed opinions among the civilian population.

But now, it is said that BTS could perform their military service for only one month. The regular time is 18 to 24 months, depending on the mode (active or civilian). What is the proposal actually about and when would it be debated in the National Assembly?

Since 2021, parliamentarians have suggested including BTS (with specific standards) among those eligible for an enlistment exemption. They would serve as cultural agents after completing the four-week basic training.

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This is an alternative military service that currently applies to winners of classical music competitions and sports medalists in Olympic and Asian Games. The main criterion for this exemption is to have raised the country’s reputation abroad.

The congressmen supporting the amendment argue that BTS’ achievements in international awards such as Billboard, the GRAMMYs and being youth agents at the UN, make them worthy of this benefit. Therefore, it is very likely that this measure will be created so that BTS members will only be integrated into the South Korean armed forces for one month.