October 18, 2022
… the members of BTS are currently moving forward with plans to fulfill their military service.
Management company Big Hit Music in a statement announcing that the members of K-pop band BTS will serve in the South Korean military, according to requirements under South Korean law.
Why It Matters: All seven band members of BTS will fulfill their duties to serve in the South Korean military for 18-21 months, before “reconvening as a group again around 2025,” Big Hit Music said. Their service has been a topic “hotly debated,” as in the past some excelling artists and athletes have been given special exemptions, while others believe it’s only fair that they fulfil their full military service duties to South Korea, just as what is required of most other able-bodied men in the country.
Did You Know? The members of BTS aren’t the only famous people who have served in their nation’s military. American singer Elvis Presley was drafted to be a part of the United States Army in 1958, singer-songwriter Johnny Cash joined the Air Force in 1950, and actress Betty White “served during WWII as a member of the American Women’s Voluntary Services,” among several other celebrities.
BTS members will serve in S. Korea military, regroup in ’25 (The Associated Press)
Here’s the statement from BTS’ management company, Big Hit Music
Stars Who’ve Served in the Military (People)
by Jenna Lee,
