HYBE: "BTS Struggling with Military Service Uncertainty... Awaiting Swift Conclusion from National Assembly"

Lee Jin-hyung CCO "Members Entrust Military Service Issues to Company"
"Expecting a Beneficial Conclusion for Both Society and Artists"

BTS attending the Grammy Awards. Photo by HYBE [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Las Vegas (USA) = Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] HYBE, the agency of the group BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan), stated that it is awaiting a prompt conclusion from the National Assembly regarding the members' military service issues.

At the 'BTS Permission to Dance the city-Las Vegas' (hereafter The City) press conference held on the 9th (local time) at the MGM Grand Conference Center in Las Vegas, USA, Lee Jinhyung, HYBE's Chief Communications Officer (CCO), responded to a question about BTS's military exemption stance by saying, "We are waiting for the National Assembly's discussion on the artists' military service and hope it will be resolved quickly."

The CCO emphasized, "The BTS members have entrusted the company with matters related to military service," adding, "The members have expressed their intention to 'respond to the nation's call,' and that intention remains unchanged."

Lee Jin-hyung, HYBE CCO (Chief Communications Officer). Photo by HYBE

He continued, "Following changes in the military service system since 2020, the artists (BTS members) have been monitoring the progress in consultation with the company," and explained, "From the time the military service law amendment bills currently pending in the National Assembly are submitted, the judgment has been entrusted to the company."

Currently, three military service law amendment bills are pending in the National Assembly. All three bills aim to include popular culture artists within the scope of alternative service for arts and sports personnel.

Last November, the ruling and opposition parties discussed these amendment bills at the National Assembly's Defense Committee's bill review subcommittee but failed to reach a conclusion. The decision has been delayed due to strong public opinion urging caution regarding military service special cases. Under the current Military Service Act, only those who place 1st to 3rd in the Olympics, Asian Games, and international/domestic arts competitions are included as arts and sports personnel.

However, since the amendment to the Military Service Act passed in 2020 allows postponement of military conscription and enlistment for outstanding individuals in the popular culture and arts field until the age of 30, currently only popular culture artists recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism can defer enlistment.

Accordingly, Jin, a BTS member born in 1992, has had his military enlistment postponed until the end of this year, but if the military service law amendment is not enacted, he will have to enlist next year.

The CCO stated, "It is true that the artists are struggling due to changes in the military service system over the past few years and the difficulty in predicting the timing of its application," adding, "Since it is hard for them to make plans, we intend to reach a conclusion that benefits both our society and the artists."