K-pop group BTS members face possible military conscription

By HYUNG-JIN KIM
Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s military appears to want to conscript BTS band members for military duty amid a heated debate about exemptions for athletes, musicians and others. The commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration told lawmakers Friday it was “desirable” for BTS members to fulfill their duties to insure fairness in military service. The oldest of the K-pop supergroup’s seven members, Jin, may have to enlist after he turns 30 in December. South Korea requires all able-bodied men to serve 18-21 months in its military. Since the draft forces young men to suspend their careers or studies, exemptions or evasion of military service is a sensitive issue. South Korea’s culture minister says the ministry’s decision on the issue would be finalized soon.