One of the world’s biggest bands, BTS, is to serve two years of military service in South Korea. There are many K-pop fans who were hoping that the band would be given special consideration, considering how popular they are and how much they have contributed to the population and economy, but sadly they were not. The band is set to reform around 2025.

ERHS junior Jaylen Koehler spoke to their popularity by sharing that BTS is very special to him because of his Nanna. She has been a fan of theirs for a really long time.

South Korea requires all able-bodied men under the age of 30 to serve in the military for sometime between the course of 18-21 months. This is intended because of the technically ongoing war between South Korea and North Korea. The country wants to be able to defend itself against a potential attack from North Korea.

Kim Seok-jin, also known as Jin, the oldest member of the group currently is in the process of releasing his first solo by the end of October. Then he will be the first to take off his stage fit and swap it with a uniform after he turns 30 in December. When he turned 28 in 2020, the government alleged that he could have a two-year delay in entering the army for strengthening Korea’s entire image.

Junior Natalie Chau has been a fan of BTS since 2016. When she found out they were leaving for a while, “It was the worst way to wake up.” Her favorite thing about them is, “Their music and their personalities, especially Jung Kook.”

Although in the United States military service is not mandated, there have been instances in the past where celebrities have put their career on pause to serve their country.

Morgan Freeman, an actor, enlisted in the Airforce and trained to be a fighter pilot.

Elvis Presley, a singer, entered the United States Army. He was drafted in 1958.

Adam Driver, the actor who played Kylo Ren in “Star Wars,” joined the Marine Corps following 9/11.

Bea Arthur, an actress from “The Golden Girls,” enlisted in the Marine Corps during World War II.