Recently, its being reported that Kpop idols like BTS will NOT receive special treatment regarding their Korean military service duty. While most fans are in agreement that they should not benefit from being such important ambassadors to South Kore’a cultural economy, that doesn’t change the fact that they still have to plan ahead. Or, is there another plan in place?
The fact of the matter is this: BTS members DO NOT WISH to ENTER MILITARY SERVICE! This is fact. As people that lived in S. Korea for more than half a decade, and worked with countless male individuals who were forced to enlist, we can say from experience that roughly more than 80% of everyone who is forced to do military service would choose not to if they had a choice.
The military in South Korea is not fun.. it’s boring. There is very little for soldiers to do because of two main things: they are not allowed to use the internet, and they are not allowed to have smart phones.
BTS has had SO MUCH SUCCESS worldwide, and unfortunately, South Korea’s mandatory military service requirements are outdated. It simply doesn’t make sense in the 21st century that the Korean government still forces their entire male population to serve in the military. The US forces that reside in Korea are drawing down their numbers. It was reported recently that the US is shutting down it’s main base in the center of Seoul. The threat of war and violence on the Korean peninsula is has been drastically reduced, and requiring men who are talented in music and dancing to militarily protect the country is asinine.
