New BTS Bill Allows Them to Delay Mandatory Military Service

Photo credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin - Getty Images
Photo credit: Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin - Getty Images

From Seventeen

In a surprise and super last-minute move, BTS fans, AKA the ARMY, and the band got a special gift from the Korean government thanks to a brand new bill.

According to the New York Times, South Korea’s National Assembly announced a revision of the country’s Military Service Act which allows K-Pop stars to postpone their mandatory service. Typically, males in South Korea have to start by their 28th birthday. The new revision allows them to postpone until they turn 30.

The move comes just in time for BTS member Jin's upcoming birthday. The singer, who is the oldest of the group, is going to turn 28 on December 4, two days before the government made their special announcement.

"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," the New York Times reported.

The change will give BTS two additional years before members will have to start signing up for military service, which usually lasts 20 months depending on which branch and what kind of service they decide to do.

BTS have kept quiet about the big announcement, but it certainly does come at the perfect time for them. The band was recently nominated for a Grammy award and topped the Billboard charts for the fifth album in a row thanks to their recent release, BE.

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