BTS members may face conscription to ensure fairness

South Korea’s military may conscript the members of the K-Pop boy band BTS for mandatory military duties. The public is divided on whether they should serve or be exempted.

The commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration thinks it is “desirable” if the band fulfills the nation’s mandatory 18+ months of service to ensure fairness. However, there have been exemptions in the past.

BTS’ conscription is a hot topic in South Korea as its oldest member, Jin faces possible enlistment when he turns 30—the cut-off age—in December.

The decision will be made before Jin turns 30, per the country’s culture minister. An exemption can be considered as Korea had previously done with athletes, musicians, artists and ballet and other dancers who enhance national prestige. However, these past exemptions triggered debates about the fairness of the system.