8-8-2023 (SEOUL) Suga, the multi-talented rapper, singer, and songwriter from the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, has embarked on South Korea’s mandatory military service, following his successful solo tour earlier this year.
Big Hit Music, the agency representing BTS, released a statement confirming Suga’s enlistment process. “We would like to inform our fans that Suga has initiated the military enlistment process by applying for the termination of his enlistment postponement,” the statement read. The agency further expressed their gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support and urged them to continue supporting Suga throughout his military service.
In South Korea, all physically fit men aged between 18 and 28 are legally obligated to serve in the military for a period of 18 to 21 months. This conscription system aims to bolster the country’s defense capabilities and deter potential aggression from neighboring North Korea.
While certain individuals, such as athletes, classical musicians, and dancers with exceptional achievements and national recognition, are eligible for special exemptions, K-pop stars and entertainers do not enjoy such privileges. However, in 2020, the Military Service Act was revised by South Korea’s National Assembly, allowing K-pop idols to postpone their enlistment until the age of 30.
The decision to delay military service for BTS members sparked intense public debate in 2022, with discussions revolving around the possibility of granting the group special exemptions. Eventually, BTS’s management agency settled the matter in October by announcing that all seven members would fulfill their military duties.
In December 2022, the oldest member of BTS, Jin, enlisted at the age of 30 after retracting his request for a postponement. J-Hope followed suit in April, and now Suga joins the ranks of his bandmates as the third member to undertake military service.
