A change in South Korean law has effectively extended the lifespan of the boyband BTS, currently the world’s most successful pop group.
South Korean men must perform compulsory military service once they turn 28, if they haven’t done so already. Two of the members of the group, Jin and Suga, will soon turn 28 – Jin’s birthday is on 4 December – meaning their time with the group was under threat.
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The law change, though, has extended the maximum age to 30 for those allowed to defer their service. BTS’s seven members have all been eligible for deferral since 2018, when they were rewarded for their global cultural impact. Unlike some classical musicians and athletes – including Tottenham footballer Son Heung-min – they are not exempted altogether from service.
The change in the law was proposed in September, with Democratic party member Jeon Yong-gi arguing: “For the sake of the fairness, we are not talking about exempting them from their duty, but pop musicians and artists like BTS – their careers can blossom in their 20s. We cannot let military duty block their way at the height of their careers.”
Source: K-pop stars BTS extend career by two years after military service law change
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