No ARMYs, BTS Members Are Not Exempted From The Mandatory Military Service

In case you didn't know, all South Korean male citizens aged between 18 and 28 are required to complete a two-year enlistment.

Failure of which could result in various penalties, such as overseas travel ban. Now that would be a no-no for an internationally-famous boyband now, wouldn't it?

Having said that, there are several groups of South Koreans who may be exempted from military duties.

Currently, this "special treatment" is only granted to Olympic medallists, Asian Games champions, selected award-winning classical musicians and ballet dancers.

Since musicians and artistes like BTS are also actively promoting the Korean culture at the global stage, many ARMYs have been lobbying for their idols to be exempted from serving.

However, the South Korean official government military system has confirmed that all members from BTS will not be exempted, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

"The Ministry of Defense is currently debating with related authorities on improving the current alternate service [program] in place of conscription, but nothing has been decided as to when a change may take effect," a representative from the Ministry of Defence reportedly said.

In the past, there have been cases where some celebrities were able to skip their military duties citing health issues and financial difficulties, including actors Jang Dong-gun and Jo Jung-Suk.

But this will not apply to the BTS members as they seem to welcome their time when duty calls.

The oldest member of the group, Jin, turns 27 in December, so we can foresee his enlistment coming as soon as next year.

Well, ARMYs, you need to prepare yourself to see less of your biases over the next few years because things like this are out of your control.