HYBE Drops Official Statement on BTS Military Enlistment – Will Jin Serve in 2022?
Will BTS Jin enlist this 2022 or will there be a military exemption? In regards to this, HYBE, the agency of the septet made their first official position.
HYBE CCO Lee Jin Hyung Shares Official Position on BTS Mandatory Military Service
On April 9, Lee Jin Hyun, CCO and head of HYBE's Communications, attended the "BTS PERMISSION TO DANCE THE CITY - LAS VEGAS" press conference, which took place at the MGM Conference Center in Las Vegas.
During the meeting of officials, Lee carefully hinted at BTS' possible military exemption. The CCO stated:
"The members of BTS's military service remain unchanged. It is also true that the members are having a hard time because the military service system has changed in recent years and it is difficult to predict. We will do our best to conclude in a way that is beneficial to everyone.
We hope that the revision of the Military Service Act will be concluded as soon as possible."
In particular, BTS' military service is a hot topic in society as a whole. As one of the biggest contributors to Korea in terms of music, culture, tourism, etc., there's a discussion asking the government to consider them to be exempted from entering the military.
ALSO READ: BTS' 'Military Service Exemption' Bill Put on Hold by National Defense Commission Bill Sub-Committee
In 2021, the revision of the military service law was discussed at the National Assembly's National Defense Committee's Legislation Review Subcommittee but failed to reach a conclusion.
Some lawmakers said the exemption of members from military service, which has enormous benefits to the national interest, was reasonable, but there was a tense disagreement as some lawmakers argued that it was not fair. The Ministry of National Defense also virtually opposed the idea, saying:
"In the principle of fair military service, the expansion of art and sports personnel need to be cautious."
Will BTS Jin Join the Military in 2022? HYBE is Yet to Make a Decision
As the revisions permitting BTS to be exempted from the military is yet to conclude, an amendment was passed in 2021, allowing male citizens to postpone their military service until the age of 30. However, this is only available to outstanding people with great contributions to various fields such as pop culture and arts.
BTS Jin, born in 1992 was qualified for the aforementioned revision but since he had turned 30 this year, he's expected to enlist by the end of 2022.
In response, CCO Lee Jin Hyung said:
"It is true that we are careful to mention the military service issue because we know how important it is in Korea. The members of BTS have currently left the matter related to their military service to the company. BTS has already attested with a message that they will respond to the call of the state several times, and that idea remains unchanged even now."
"However, the military service system has changed little by little, and (BTS) the military service law is undergoing a change unlike their own thoughts, so they are in consultation with the company and watching."
Lee added:
"The company told BTS that it was careful to decide on the intention to serve in the military at this time after submitting the amendment to the Military Service Act, and the members also accepted it maturely and entrusted it to the company."
READ MORE: Here Are 7 Male K-pop Idols, Celebrities Who 'Need' to Enlist in 2022 Due to Age
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Written by Eunice Dawson
