The mandatory military service in their home country has been bothering smash-hit Korean band BTS’ members. At the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, BTS members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook attended a press conference, where such concerns were raised.
BTS played their second show in Las Vegas, Permission To Dance on Stage.
“I spoke with the company frequently and entrusted all military service-related chores to them. I believe that what we uttered at work will soon become our words,” said Jin.
In South Korea, a person can delay enlisting in the mandatory military service until the age of 28. Due to a new modification, the BTS military service amendment, which was passed in December 2020, BTS members have been able to defer it. It allows artists who get recommendations from the Korean Ministry of Culture to postpone their mandatory duty until they reach the age of 30, as determined by international standards. Jin, who will turn 30 on December 9 this year, is required to enlist in the military before the end of 2022, according to international age standards.
HYBE CCO Lee Jin Hyung, who was also a part of the press conference, stated, “BTS has stated numerous times that they will accept the call of duty when the country calls them, and they have not changed their minds. However, the policy on military duty has changed slightly, and because the members are seeing unexpected changes to the Military Service Act, they are currently watching the situation while speaking with the company.”
The policy on South Korean military service is shifting, and BTS members are struggling since it’s difficult to foresee when they might be called to serve. “Because making preparations is tough for them, both BTS members and the firm are keeping a careful eye on the planned modification,” said Hyung.
Jimin also expressed “huge disappointment” on BTS not winning the Grammys during the press conference. “As a Korean who values the Grammy Awards, I was curious as to how far our music could travel. I wanted to reward ARMY for their support. Unfortunately, we were unable to obtain it,” said Jimin. Suga continued, “There will be more possibilities, so we will try again.”
