South Korea passes law allowing BTS to postpone mandatory military service

South Korea’s parliament on Tuesday handed a invoice to permit globally recognised Ok-pop artists resembling BTS to postpone their necessary navy service to age 30.

All able-bodied South Korean males aged between 18 and 28 should serve within the navy for about two years as a part of the nation’s efforts to protect towards North Korea.

The modification to the Military Service Act was designed to offer exceptions for Ok-pop megastars who enhance the nation’s cultural standing and increase the economic system.

South Korea permits eligible college students to defer their duties as much as age 28 and has granted exemptions for high-profile classical musicians and athletes who received Olympic medals or a gold on the Asian Games, together with Tottenham Hotspur ahead Son Heung-min.

No Ok-pop stars had acquired exemptions however the brand new invoice will guarantee entertainers really helpful by the tradition minister can defer their service to age 30.

The oldest member of BTS, 27-year-old Jin, is nearing enlistment at a time when the seven-member boy band is rewriting Ok-pop historical past.

Since launching in 2013, BTS has pushed the worldwide Ok-pop craze with catchy, upbeat music alongside lyrics and social campaigns geared toward empowering younger folks.

It just lately notched a primary ever No.1 hit single on the US Billboard charts with the music “Dynamite”, and bagged an unprecedented Grammy nomination as a Ok-pop band.

“Pop artists tend to make their highest achievements in their 20s but many of them had to pursue a graduate degree to delay their service,” stated Jeon Yong-gi, who co-authored the invoice.

BTS’s administration, Big Hit Entertainment, didn’t reply to a request for touch upon the legislative change, however Jin and different band members have beforehand stated they’d fulfil their duties as required.

Military service is a contentious problem in South Korea. A ballot launched final month by native information outlet E-Today confirmed some 53% of respondents supported particular remedy for BTS, whereas 47% opposed it.