Is BTS in the Military? An In-Depth Look at the K-Pop Stars’ Military Status
South Korea has a mandatory military service requirement for all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35. As a major K-Pop group from South Korea, BTS, also known as the Bangtan Boys, has been frequently asked about their military service status. In this article, we’ll delve into the details and provide answers to the burning question on everyone’s mind: Are BTS in the military?
What is the Law?
According to Article 3 of the Conscription Act of South Korea, all able-bodied males between the ages of 18 and 35, including Korean nationals and holders of permanent resident status, are required to serve in the military. The minimum service period is 20 months for the army and 23 months for the navy and air force. Exemptions may be granted to individuals who are deemed medically unfit to serve or who have specialized skills that are deemed more valuable to the country’s development.
Exceptions and Exemptions
While the law is mandatory, there are some exceptions and exemptions in place. These include:
• Mental illness or physical disabilities: If a person has a legitimate medical condition that prevents them from serving, they are exempt from military service. This can include people with severe anxiety disorders, depression, or physical conditions that make it difficult or impossible to perform military duties.
• Age: As the law mandates service between ages 18 and 35, if a person reaches the upper age limit without having been drafted, they are free from military service.
• Specialized skills or talents: If a person has skills that are considered essential to the country’s development, they may be exempt from military service (e.g., IT professionals, athletes, and artists).
Has BTS Been Exempt or Deferred?
BTS, consisting of seven members – RM (Kim Nam-joon), Jin (Kim Seok-jin), Suga (Min Yoon-gi), J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok), Jimin (Park Ji-min), V (Kim Tae-hyung), and Jungkook (Jeon Jung-kook) – is a K-Pop phenomenon that has been gaining popularity worldwide. With their unprecedented success, there have been concerns about their military status.
BTS on Military Service Exemptions
In September 2018, South Korea’s Ministry of Defense announced plans to consider exempting K-Pop stars with exceptional talent from military service. However, this exemption was met with controversy and eventually withdrawn in 2020 due to public criticism and arguments that it was unfair for K-Pop stars to be exempt when other sectors, such as education, healthcare, and the elderly, were still required to serve.
Current Military Status of BTS Members
As of the writing of this article (February 2023), ALL BTS MEMBERS HAVE ACTUALLY DEFERRED THEIR MILITARY DUTY IN 2018 due to strict regulations and an ongoing global pandemic. However, this deferment is TEMPORARY and subject to change as per the amendments to the military service requirements.
Breaking Down BTS Members’ Military Status by Age
Here’s a breakdown of BTS members by age and their current status:
| Member | DOB | Military Status (as of February 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| RM | September 12, 1994 | Deferred until 2025 |
| Jin | December 4, 1992 | Deferred until 2024 |
| Suga | March 9, 1993 | Deferred until 2024 |
| J-Hope | February 18, 1994 | Deferred until 2024 |
| Jimin | October 13, 1995 | Deferred until 2026 |
| V | December 30, 1995 | Deferred until 2026 |
| Jungkook | September 1, 1997 | Deferred until 2027 |
Final Thoughts
BTS may have deferred their military service, but their dedication to their craft, their fellow soldiers, and their FANS, known as the ARMY, knows no bounds. For now, fans can celebrate the group’s continued passion for music, philanthropy, and breaking cultural boundaries. Who knows, maybe one day, our beloved K-Pop boy band will SERVE THEIR COUNTRY WITH ANOTHER KIND OF TALENT, spreading love, love, and harmony through art and music!
