Korean media reported on the possibility that Jin could replace enlistment with another service
The National Defense Committee of Korea is also currently discussing the military service exemption for BTS.
Recently, issues related to BTS’s enlistment have become the most concerning topic on SNS as next year Jin, the oldest member of BTS, has reached the age to perform his military duty according to the regulations of the Korean government. The situation was also mentioned in a KBS World news release, and some officials hinted at the possibility of replacing enlistment by another service.
The BTS members are currently taking the second longest vacation of their careers with their families and are also implementing the government’s regulation of 10-day self-quarantine for those returning from abroad. It is known that BTS is in the process of preparing for a new album and planning a career next year. This also means that BTS will continue to work with 7 members in 2022 even though Jin has reached the age to enlist.
This is possible because all members of BTS have applied for a military enlistment postponement until the age of 30. This is part of an amendment passed last year that allows the postponement of military service for the most distinguished of K-pop stars to the age of 30. According to Big Hit‘s announcement about BTS‘ next year’s activities, this seems to have been approved. ARMY and Jin and BTS will spend another year with great moments together.
In addition, the National Defense Committee of Korea is currently discussing the exemption from the military service for Korean artists who have made many contributions to the country and culture, especially in the case of BTS. However, there is still much debate about whether to exempt or replace military service with other public service obligations among officials. Therefore, despite two discussions, there has been no agreement given on the amendments.
As reported by KBS World News Today, Democratic congressman Noh Woong Rae commented that all Korean men are obligated to fulfill their sacred duty to defend the country. However, not everyone must take the exam to be considered for service. This means that Jin can perform alternative military service as public service or others and is not required to enlist.
However, so far there has been no official decision from the Korean National Defense Committee. This depends on many factors, even related to the GRAMMYs to be held next year. But after all, as Jin put it: “[Our obligation] is an important obligation to our country. Therefore, I will try to work as hard as I can and do my best until I am called,” we should support all the choices of Jin in particular and BTS in general.
