ARMY express anger over South Korean military law, say 'If BTS enlisted so will everybody else'

Following the enlistment of the last four BTS members – RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook – in the South Korean military, there are ongoing discussions about a potential review of the country's enlistment law. Despite the existence of the "BTS Law," which provides flexibility for K-pop stars honoured with South Korea's Hwagwan Orders of Cultural Merit, allowing them to postpone military service until the age of 30, talks are underway to consider exceptions for specific K-pop idols and groups.

Recent information from the National Assembly's legislative notice system on December 17 reveals that no discussions have taken place on the matter. The bill has remained stagnant in the National Assembly for over two years.

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The bill first garnered attention last year due to the matter of BTS's military service. With arguments asserting that BTS had significantly elevated national prestige beyond the standard criteria for selecting art and sports personnel, public sentiment favoured special military service benefits for the group. 

Despite BTS members being honoured with a fifth-class Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit, they opted to enlist. This decision now impacts male celebrities born after 1995, who are required to enlist in 2024, encompassing the next generation of idol groups following BTS.

However, discussions about potential exceptions have surfaced. BTS' fanbase, known as ARMY, expressed anger, asserting that if the world's biggest boy band has chosen to enlist, others should do the same.

Anticipated upcoming enlistments include members from the groups Seventeen and NCT 127, specifically S.Coups, Jeonghan, and Taeyong, who are expected to join the military next year.

The current operation of the Military Service Act includes a special military service system, allowing individuals with significant achievements in designated cultural and artistic competitions to fulfil their military service obligations through supplementary service rather than active duty. 

Notably, pop culture artists like BTS are ineligible for supplementary roles, leading to complaints about perceived limitations in the special system.