BTS Hiatus due to mandatory military service?

A surprise decision by South Korean boy band BTS to take a break from live shows has rekindled debate about mandatory military service in South Korea. Military service is hugely contentious in South Korea where all able-bodied men aged between 18 and 28 are meant to serve for about two years.

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Under a 2019 revision of the law, globally recognized K-pop stars were allowed to put off their service until the age of 30. Parliament is now debating a new amendment that would allow K-pop stars to do just three weeks of military training.

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During a conversation with Reuters lawmaker Sang-Hyun, he claimed that BTS’ main reason for the hiatus was ‘waiting for parliament to decide has been hugely stressful’ for them.

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He said, “The members cited exhaustion and the need for rest as the main reason but the real reason was: Jin‘s military service.”

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While that clouds what BTS's next steps might be, the K-pop stars have already lined up their individual projects. With Jungkook leading the way, the Korean star released a single with Charlie Puth, whereas J-Hope has released More from his album Jack in the Box.

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The Army Worldwide is praying that all the members of BTS would get some leniency in the training. Would you love it if the Korean lawmakers show some leniency to K-pop members’ military service rules?

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