A new amendment that would allow K-pop singers to undergo just three weeks of military training is being discussed in the South Korean parliament. Yoon Sang-hyun, a lawmaker, has suggested an amendment that would reduce the required two years of full-time military service for all citizens to three weeks of training.
A few days ago, BTS announced that they want a break from future group activities to focus on individual music. However, the sudden decision by the K-pop boys band left people in shock and opened a debate. BTS taking a break after 10 years has rekindled a fresh debate on mandatory military service in South Korea.
RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook of BTS discussed their reasons for wanting a break during their Festa meal in June. While RM liked being a part of BTS, he claimed that the group members are currently “exhausted” and that he “doesn’t know what kind of group we were any more.” Jimin admitted that the group was going through a “rough patch” as it is trying to “find our identity, and that’s an exhausting and long process”.
The South Korean Parliament is now debating a new amendment that would allow K-pop stars to undergo just three weeks of military training.
As per the sources, Sang-hyun said that BTS took the break as the ‘main reason’ of ‘waiting for parliament to decide has been hugely stressful’ for them. “The members cited exhaustion and the need for rest as the main reason but the real reason was Jin’s military service,” he said.
All able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 are obliged to serve in the military for about two years as part of attempts to guard against a hostile North Korea, which is a very contentious issue in South Korea.
Particular groups of men have been granted exemptions over the years, allowing them to postpone their military service for a fixed time or perform shorter service. These groups include men who place first or second in their respective sports, such as classical musicians and dancers, as well as men who win medals at the Olympics or Asian Games. Under a 2019 revision of the law in the country, globally recognized K-pop stars were allowed to put off their service until the age of 30.
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