[SBS Star] Big Hit Music Confirms BTS Will Begin Their Military Service, Starting with JIN

K-pop boy group BTS' management agency Big Hit Music shared that the group members will enlist in the military, starting with the oldest one JIN. 

On October 17, Big Hit Music released an official statement regarding BTS' military enlistment. 

The agency said, "JIN will withdraw his deferral of military enlistment at the end of this month. He is to act in accordance with the usual procedures for the service after that. The rest of the members will enlist in the military too, according to their own plans." 
JIN's military enlistment had been postponed until the end of this year―until he turns 30―after being proposed by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to postpone his military enlistment under the revised Military Service Act in 2020.

The current Military Service Act stipulates that a person with exceptional skills in the arts and sports fields nominated by Presidential Decree and recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism can serve their military service as 'arts and sports specialists' outside the military. 

However, the current Military Service Act does not include 'popular culture' as a specialty in the arts and sports fields that some shared that it was unfair to pop artists who were elevating the nation's reputation around the world like what BTS is doing. 

For some time, a sharp discussion went on in the politics over whether BTS members should be given military exemption, but it was stalled at the National Assembly. 
Since JIN has withdrawn 'postponement of enlistment until the age of 30', he is expected to enlist in the military as an active-duty soldier as soon as he receives a notice from the Military Manpower Administration. 

Born in December, JIN is expected to turn 30 in the end of this year. 

(Credit= Big Hit Music) 

(SBS Star)