BTS Already Knew They Would Serve In South Korea’s Mandatory Military Service

South Korea has added a new amendment to its military service law, and according to The Korea Herald, popular K-pop groups like BTS will not be relieved from military duty.

But, unlike what other outlets have reported, "The Army" claims that BTS already knew they would serve and never asked for an exemption.

Many fans actually support this decision. These loyal fans used Twitter as an outlet to share their reactions and debunk the claims.

"Basically someone familiar with BTS/BH’s thinking/decisions gave an interview about today’s announcement about no military exemptions for pop stars. The person said BTS have never asked for it and rather welcome and are thankful for the chance to serve their country in the midst of a busy schedule," said one fan who responded to DAUM's article. "The thing that frustrated BH and BTS the most is they never asked for exemptions and yet their name was used in discussions and headlines, making it seem like they were the ones who wanted it. BTS and BH have kept quiet. The author writes It seems their stance is a single picture of them entering the military in the future will be far more effective than issuing 100 public statements."

“Not to mention BTS are still willing to go to the military since they think it’s a duty for a Korean man,” another fan said.

“I wish headlines like this would make clear that members of @BTS_twt have never even asked for a military exemption and they’ve always planned to serve with pride just like their counterparts,” someone else added.

According to the Korea Herald, the military service act says that the only people exempt are “those with outstanding achievements in sports and arts that ‘raise the national profile’.”

The only athletes and artists to be exempt are athletes who win gold medals at the Asian Games or any type of medal at the Olympics, as well as artists who “win second place or higher at certain international art competitions and top placers at an arts competition in South Korea.”

Lee Nam-Woo, the chief of the Defense Ministry personnel welfare office also revealed in a statement to the publication that there was no reason to believe military service would result in issues for members of the K-Pop group or others.

“We also believe that military duty will not hurt the talents of popular performers so critically that they cannot perform anymore,” he said.