New ‘BTS Law’ Is Passed in South Korea

[Chris 59,315]

SEOUL, South Korea — Kim Seok-jin, the oldest member of the global K-pop phenomenon BTS, turns 28 on Friday. On Tuesday, South Korea’s Parliament gave him an early birthday present.

Mr. Kim’s birthday could have marked the end of his current career as a K-pop star. Until now, all able-bodied South Korean men have been required to enlist in the military for about 20 months once they turn 28, if not sooner.

South Korea’s National Assembly, enamored of BTS’s global success, came to Mr. Kim’s rescue by passing a revision of the country’s Military Service Act. The revised law lets top K-pop stars like Mr. Kim postpone their military service until they turn 30. Mr. Kim, who goes by his stage name Jin, will now be able to perform for two more years at what could be the height of his career.

The news instantly electrified BTS fans, who call themselves the Army.

“What a day to be alive,” one follower wrote on Twitter.

Under the revised law, K-pop entertainers who have received government medals for helping spread or elevate the country’s cultural influence around the world can apply for deferment of their military service. All seven members of BTS meet that requirement. They were awarded the medal in 2018.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/01/world/asia/korea-bts-law-military-deferment.html?0p19G=0232

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30 minutes ago, Chris Morlock said:

“What a day to be alive,” one follower wrote on Twitter.

why is that sending me

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also thats an interesting age to be forced into the military..... most people are already finishing school or are in well into their careers.... but idk much about Koreas culture so im seeing a person's late 20s with a Western lens 

[Shawn's Slave 19,523]

They should be exempt from mandotary military service, they bring so much $$ and recognition for S. Korea. 

[Diego 9,676]

basically they removed a law that they passed 2 years ago lol 

 

but cool 

[trashbanjo 599]

On 12/1/2020 at 1:03 PM, GlenCoco said:

basically they removed a law that they passed 2 years ago lol 

 

but cool 

They revised it... not removed it. Lol.