K-pop stars this kind of as BTS will not be exempted from compulsory army services.
Officers at the government's navy program reform physique mentioned Sunday that they have agreed not to prolong an current exemption.
An official announcement is expected to be made at the end of this thirty day period.
Prize winners of particular contests, mainly Western classical and Korean classic songs occasions, as nicely as athletes who win any of Olympic medals or Asian Games gold medals can be exempted from the services (about two several years).
The fairness of the method ― backed by a legislation released in 1973 ― was questioned previous year right after BTS' international accomplishment. Some lawmakers, such as Ha Tae-keung of the minor opposition Bareunmirae Party, referred to as for reform, stating that pop artists also deserved the privilege.
Some mentioned athletes this sort of as Lee Kang-in, who led Korea to an historic runner-up complete at the 2019 FIFA U-20 Globe Cup, could also be regarded as.
If the system continues to be the identical or adjustments very tiny, which looks likely, Jin, 26, the oldest member of BTS, is envisioned to begin military obligation soon. In an interview with "CBS Sunday Morning" in April, he explained he would reply to the duty and do his very best when the time arrives.
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