Pop Star Forced To Join Military

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The news is out, folks. Actually I’m not sure why this is news to be honest here. I do know that my grand daughter enjoys this boy band called BTS. Have you heard of em? Yeah me neither. Anyway I still think its an interesting story. Let me fill you in:

J-Hope, a member of the international K-pop (korean pop music) boy band BTS, has enrolled in a military boot camp in South Korea to fulfill the nation’s required military service for able-bodied men. This obligation has sparked outrage and debate among the group’s fans. While athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers can obtain special exemptions, K-pop stars and other entertainers are not granted such privileges. Jin, another member of BTS, began his military service in December 2022. The remaining five members are expected to begin their service individually in the near future, and there will be several years before the group returns to the stage together. Evading military service comes with serious consequences, including working in the country’s prison system for 36 months for conscientious objectors.

The K-pop stars and other entertainers aren’t subject to special privileges that athletes, classical musicians, traditional musicians, and ballet dancers are entitled to receive. These special privileges exempt them from the mandatory military service if they have obtained top prizes in certain competitions and assessed to have enhanced national prestige.

Now, I don’t want to rain on anybody’s parade, but let’s face it, BTS is a boy band. Their job is to sing and dance, and they have certainly achieved international success in that regard. But, why are people calling for them to be exempted from the military service requirement? That’s not fair to the other young men who have to complete their mandatory service.

Now, I understand that many BTS fans are upset that their favorite band members will be away for a while, but let’s not forget that South Korea is technically at war with North Korea. This isn’t just some arbitrary law that was put in place for the sake of inconvenience. Military service is a crucial component of maintaining national security, and it’s a responsibility that every able-bodied citizen must fulfill.

I don’t think many people will disagree with me on this, but I firmly believe that nobody is above the law. The law should apply to everyone equally, regardless of their status or profession. I’m sure that the remaining members of BTS will fulfill their obligations and return to the stage together in several years’ time. In the meantime, let’s support them and wish them the best.

It’s interesting to note that in America, there have been many stars who were drafted into the military during times of war. Elvis Presley, for example, was at the height of his career when he was drafted into the Army in 1958 and served for two years. Johnny Cash also served in the Air Force during the Korean War, and Charlton Heston served in the Army Air Forces during World War II. These celebrities put their careers on hold to serve their country, which is a stark contrast to the situation with BTS. While it’s understandable that fans would be disappointed by the group’s hiatus, it’s important to remember that military service is a duty that all able-bodied South Korean men are required to fulfill. Perhaps in a way, this experience will help the members of BTS gain a new appreciation for their country and its history. As a patriotic American, I respect anyone who puts their country before their own personal interests. In my opinion, military service should be mandatory for all citizens, not just a select few. Only when we are all willing to make sacrifices for our country can we truly call ourselves patriotic.

source: timcast