Why do K-pop stars like BTS have to complete military service – and which male idols will be next to enlist?

Jun 25 , 2020

L, Jin and Zico are all be among the next rung of K-pop superstars putting their music careers on hold to join the Korean military – whether they like it or not. Photo: Instagram & Twitter

BTS’ Jin and Exo’s Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol and Chen will have to enlist before the end of the year, while Suga and Shinee’s Taemin are up in 2021 – which other K-pop idols will have to do Korean military service next, and is there a way to avoid doing it?

Any semi-serious fan of Korean pop will know – and quite possibly lament – the fact that before reaching a certain age, every male idol must put their music career on hold to enlist in the country’s military by government law. But that might be a hard fact for fans to truly appreciate, especially for those from other countries where “conscription” is quite literally a foreign concept. What exactly is compulsory military enlistment, and which idols are next up to take a break, whether they like it or not? (And which stars are exempt because they aren’t Korean?).

South Korea currently has one of the longest and strictest military service periods in the world. Since the law was introduced in 1957, when a Korean man turns 18 he is immediately enlisted for “first citizen service” and is liable for military duty. Upon turning 19, he is then required to undergo a physical exam that determines his suitability for military training. Those who are found to be healthy enough physically and psychologically can be enlisted for active duty, supplemental or second citizen service, depending on their qualifications, educational background and age. However, men who are found to be incapable of performing military service due to any disease, mental or physical incompetence, are exempted from mandatory service.

And how long can they put it off for? Eligible Korean men must enlist for duty before they turn 28 at the latest.

Usually, men serve in the army, marine corps, navy or air force for a minimum period of 18 to 21 months. After completing this period men are listed on the reserve roster and are obliged to attend three days of annual military training for six years.

Idols enlisting in 2020 and 2021

As we approach the middle of the year, fans are anxiously awaiting their favourite idols’ inevitable enlistment. Male idols born in 1992 will all be entering the military this year and some have already joined, such as Winner’s Lee Seung-hoon and Kim Jin-woo, a “91-liner” (born in 1991).

Nine-piece boy band Exo have begun the painful process of sending their members off for military service one-by-one, with Xiumin and D.O. enlisting last year. Their 92-line consisting of Suho, Baekhyun, Chanyeol and Chen, may enlist this year, with Suho being first.