BTS Members Must Begin Mandatory Military Service In South Korea Soon

After being granted an extension as an exception to South Korea’s law that requires able-bodied men in the country must serve in the country’s military by the age of 28, BTS member Jin will likely have to start his required military service soon as he is turning 30 this December.

Jin is the oldest member of the group, but other members Suga and J-Hope are 29 and 28 respectively, so this deadline is approaching for everyone soon. It would be an uphill battle for lawmakers to vote on the several amendments needed to grant them more exceptions.

One military official, Lee Ki Sik, commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, recently said it would be “desirable” for BTS members to participate in the military service.

The members may have some leeway while performing their 18-21 months of service. Lee Jong-sup, South Korea’s defense minister, has said they could be open to letting BTS members practice and even perhaps tour with their bandmates.

BTS most recently released the anthology album Proof in June of this year. Soon after its premiere, it was announced that the band would temporarily separate to pursue solo endeavors and “get re-inspired and recharge with creative energy.”