BTS member Suga begins South Korea's military service but deems unfit for combat duty. Details here
military service in the country. But Suga is not the first singer of the band to join the military duty. Jin and J-Hope are already serving at army bases. Jin was the oldest and the first BTS member to serve in the military.
Is Suga unfit for combat duty?
According to the South Korean news agency Yonhap, Suga has been «ruled unfit for the regular combat duty and will serve as a social service agent». He underwent a shoulder surgery in 2020.
Suga's message for fans
In a message posted on the online fan platform 'Weverse', the 30-year-old pop singer said he would faithfully serve and come back. He asked his fans to stay healthy and assured them that he would meet them again in 2025. In a statement, BTS's management agency, Bit Hit Music, requested Suga fans not to visit the singer at his workplace during the period of his service. It asked the fans to convey their warm regards and encouragement in their hearts only.
South Korea's conscription system
Under a conscription system established to counter threats from rival North Korea, all able-bodied South Korean men must serve in the army, navy, or air force for 18-21 months. Athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers have been exempted. However, K-pop singers are not eligible for the special relief.
Debate over conscription system
Intense and wide public debate erupted over whether BTS members should receive special exemptions to their compulsory military duties. But the group's management agency accepted at last that all seven members would fulfill their obligatory responsibilities.
Blackpink
The group's female equivalent, Blackpink, are also in the news. Blackpink's seven-year contract with YG Entertainment came to an end earlier this
