K-Pop Group BTS to Start Military Service

Korean Military

What is Required Military Service? At the age of 18, all able-bodied men in South Korea are required to perform mandatory military service. Although not mandatory for women, able-bodied women over the age of 18 are also permitted to enlist. However, these men do not have to serve immediately. Many choose to go to college or work and defer their service to the age of 28. Objection to military service is not allowed and will lead to jail time, and dual citizens must choose one citizenship by their 18th birthday — should they wish to keep Korean citizenship, they must complete their military service.

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Why does Korea Require Service? Since 1957, military service has been compulsory for all able-bodied Korean men between the ages of 18 and 35. Mandatory service is legalized by two legislative clauses: Article 39 of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea, and the Military Service Law. Of the 49 countries with conscription in 2022, South Korea is one of the most technologically, democratically, and economically advanced. Like most of these nations, South Korea’s conscription laws arose from the state’s need for manpower during wartime, and today aim to deter a North Korean invasion.

The U.S. Equivalent. Commonly called “the Draft” in the United States, mandatory service was first used in America during the Civil War. In 1917, during the height of World War I, the United States used the draft to mobilize and modernize its military might. Most famously, through the story of Alvin York, the draft began conscripting pacifists, leading to future political upheaval. In 1971, following the Vietnam War, the United States eliminated the draft in favor of a voluntary armed force. However, the U.S. Selective Service still exists — a cause of recent controversy as some argue women should be required to sign up. Yet, short of a total global war, the United States is unlikely to ever reinstate the draft. The idea of an all-volunteer force enjoys overwhelming public support, and invoking the draft would likely bring devastating political consequences.

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BTS

Who is BTS? The Korean K-pop group BTS has officially stated they intend to take a break from music to complete their mandatory military service. The group became famous politically in the United States when, in 2020, they mobilized their fanbase to reserve tickets for President Trump’s speech in Oklahoma. The end result was only 6,200 of the anticipated 100,000 were allowed into the event, while thousands waited outside the arena. Aside from their stunt against the former President, the group is by far one of the most popular in the music industry. Their oldest member — Jin — was initially offered to delay his mandatory service for service to his nation, but has now forgone that extension so that the entire group can enlist simultaneously.

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Exceptions to the Rule. Those who are not in good health are allowed to complete their military service through ‘non-active duty,’ usually social work or other services for the government. Professionals with an exceptional skill set can also seek exemption, like some violinists, pianists, and ballet performers. Athletes who have won medals in the Olympics, or specifically a gold medal in the Asian Games, are also exempted from active duty. The members of BTS are serving their military service, effectively ending the debate as to whether their skills as performers qualify for an exemption.

Escalations from the North. Following the recent missile tests launched by the Northern dictatorship of the DPRK, a group as famous as BTS enlisting may have troubling connotations for some South Koreans. For some time, there have been discussions about whether BTS deserves an exemption from service due to their image on the world stage. However, that debate is now over as the members join up.

Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean for South Korea that they see their biggest pop stars doing military service after the recent threats from Kim Jong-un?
2. Is mandatory military service a good idea? Why or why not?
3. What are reasonable exceptions for conscription?
4. Should the government include women in the draft? Explain your view.
5. Why do you think BTS opted not to complete their military service through non-active duty?

Classroom Content

Reuters

K-pop stars BTS to serve military duty

• Article
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• 9/17/2022

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