K-pop star Suga becomes 3rd BTS member to begin military service in South Korea

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K-pop sensation Suga, known as a rapper/singer/songwriter, has become the third BTS member to commence his mandatory military service in South Korea. Big Hit Music, the group’s management agency, announced that Suga initiated the enlistment process by requesting the termination of his enlistment postponement. They expressed gratitude to fans for their continued love and support throughout Suga’s service period, promising to provide unwavering support to the artist during his time in the military.

In South Korea, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 are legally obligated to serve 18-21 months in the military as part of the country’s conscription system, aimed at safeguarding against potential aggression from North Korea. While certain individuals like athletes, classical musicians, traditional musicians, ballet dancers, and others with exceptional achievements can receive special exemptions, K-pop stars and entertainers do not qualify for such privileges.

Nonetheless, in 2020, BTS received the option to postpone their military service until they turn 30 due to a revision of the Military Service Act by South Korea’s National Assembly. The decision sparked a public debate in 2022 about whether BTS members should be granted special exemptions. Eventually, the group’s management agency announced in October that all seven members would fulfill their military duties. Following this announcement, BTS’s eldest member, Jin, enlisted at age 30 in December 2022, and J-Hope followed suit in April of the following year.

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More about K-pop star Suga, BTS, military service, exemptions, South Korea

• “BTS’s Suga Begins Military Service: K-pop Star Enlists in South Korea” (Billboard)
• “BTS’s Jin Enlists in the Military After Officially Delaying Mandatory Service” (E! News)
• “BTS’s J-Hope Starts Military Service, Group’s Full Statement” (Entertainment Tonight)
• “South Korea’s Military Service Act Revision Allows BTS to Postpone Enlistment” (Korea Herald)
• “Public Debate Over BTS’s Military Service Exemptions” (Soompi)
• “South Korea’s Conscription System Explained” (Council on Foreign Relations)