What is the “BTS Act” and how it saves the 'Kpop Idols' from military service

South Korea is one of the countries where its inhabitants must start their military life on a compulsory basis at an early age. Since its establishment, artists and civilians have responded to the general call, but what happened to the members of BTS in 2020?

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Although the music industry in Peru is still taking its first steps towards launching artists to the most competitive markets, other territories have already positioned themselves as dominant in this new era of artists. This is the case of South Korea, the Asian country that owns the most famous talent companies in Asia and which saw the birth of one of the groups that have become a phenomenon, BTS ('Bangtan Sonyeondan', which translated into Spanish is interpreted as Bulletproof Boy Scouts).

The current vision of artists is not only to fill stadiums and star in music videos, but to become a brand, attractive enough to attract investment. This is how we can see a large number of 'Idols' being the image of advertising campaigns, promoting a product and/or service in a television spot, and more activities related to their presence, especially on digital platforms.

What is the place that BTS occupies? Not only are they considered the greatest current exponents of the Kpop genre, but, in addition to this achievement, they have conquered other markets, such as the latent one of the United States, which is difficult to enter and stay. The seven members have been nominated for major awards, as well as finding a niche where they can take the stage to demonstrate their talent in dance, acting and acting.

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Reaching them is no easy task. When your tickets go on sale, a 'sold out' is recorded immediately. During the announcement of their return to concerts after stopping due to the pandemic, the singers appeared on Internet portals in the middle of news that their tour for this 2022 was at risk because of the upcoming calls for the beginning of military service.

The beginning of military life in South Korea is mandatory for every man of South Korean nationality, between the ages of 18 and 35, without exception, or at least that was believed. By 2020, discussions had already begun among the authorities on a “special permit” so that some artists could temporarily postpone their entry into the Armed Forces. It should be noted that this type of “grace granted” is common in high-performance athletes who travel to compete as representatives of the South Korean country.

RADICAL CHANGES

When Kim Seok-jin, or only Jin, the oldest member of the group, turned 28, the parliament of the Asian country made some modifications that, indirectly , it was his birthday present. What did it consist of?

Because of the age limit, he had to join the call to enter military service for about 20 months. That fact would have caused BTS performances, musical releases and other activities to be suspended.

By December 2021, the National Assembly launched the review of the law and an official report was presented in which the 'Idols', like Jin, could postpone their entry before they reach the age of 30.

The fact: the Korean government named this amendment as “BTS Military Service Act” or simply “The BTS law”, which is Spanish would be the BTS Law because of the context in which it was given and who benefited after its announcement.

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DOES THIS BENEFIT APPLY TO EVERYONE?

According to an article written by Choe Sang-Hun, head of information in Seoul for The New York Times, this “lifesaver” is aimed at those who have received government medals for “helping to spread or elevate the country's cultural influence around the world.” Do BTS members meet this requirement? Yes, since they received this recognition in 2018.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO BTS?

Taking into account that on December 4 of this year Jin turns 30, he could no longer postpone his recruitment, according to the laws and permits granted by the government. If we talk about possible scenarios, it can be estimated that the Big Hit Music company to which it belongs is already working on strategies to keep the group going while it is not available.

Although they do not have a fully defined tour for this year, some dates would be affected by the singer's temporary absence. Another way out, although it is not very viable or associated with the management of the company, is that only 6 of them are presented on stage.

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The ARMY, the name by which the global family of fans of talented young people is known, should keep an eye on the official publications they make in South Korea to find out what the picture will be which will be lived in the coming months.

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