BTS Members Are Joining The Military — Here’s How Much It Will Cost South Korea’s Economy

The biggest boy band in the world is joining the military. Members of K-pop phenomenon BTS will be enlisting in the South Korean military through a policy known as conscription, which requires all able-bodied men to serve at least 18 months. The impact of BTS’s military service is likely to have economic consequences, as data suggest BTS is generating an estimated $3.9 billion in economic value per year towards the South Korean economy.

Produced by: Kate Sammer
Supervising Producer: Jeff Morganteen
Graphics by: Midnight Snacks

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BTS Members Are Joining The Military — Here’s How Much It Will Cost South Korea’s Economy

[stardust]

I must disagree with the end of this video stating the members can “practice and do overseas schedules” that is in no way happening. The members will serve as regular citizens with no special treatment. As ARMY we understand and we will support them all 100% We will continue to stream and support their music until they return.

[mincassy]

They always said they would serve. And so, ARMYs can wait. It's not like our love and support for them would suddenly vanish for a year.

[blueturtle]

BTS release more music and more content while on a ''break'' than most music act do while active lol, I've never been more busy trying to catch up with BTS content honestly

[ann-archist]

BTS has stated that their service will not involve any special service. Most idols go in to service and are part of military musical groups or bands. BTS is not going to do that to prevent the South Korean government parading them around at international events and exploiting them. Jin has already said after basic training he will be serving with the frontline units. These are the units that patrol the DMZ and protect their Norther border from North Korean incursions.

[elleisamultifan]

2025 might even come faster than we think, and they also still release so many contents!! tho Jin is going in on December 13, the rest will be going in on their own will, and are yet to release solo music and do solo promotions, I have nothing but wishes of good health and may Jin and the rest of them serve well.

Hoping that I already got my degree and finally have a job by 2025 too!!✊

[sandymartin]

I'm a 53 yr old ARMYMOM since 2016. If this is Jins decision i stand by him 100%. BTS wouldnt tell us if they would choose NO if given the option...thats how noble they are and love their country. South Korea not giving BTS the choice of an exemption, when so many ppl worldwide didn't even know there was a big difference between North and South Korea if it wasnt for BTS. I will keep my opinion to myself on what I hope for

[blueturtle]

''biggest boy band in the world'' when will western media retire that phrase, BTS are the biggest music act on the planet, not just heading an obscure subcategory. BTS never fit that western boy band concept anyways

[youlikethischainitsdollar]

BTS have a massive catalog containing Vlogs, Variety Show Episodes, songs, Dance Practices, Concert shows, and Live Performances. Even Merchandises and Places wherein BTS visited, can still be raved by fans.
These can make a new ARMY busy especially when they're trying to catch up with the OG ARMYs. Therefore we could say until BTS is back, ARMYs won't go anywhere 👍🏻

[missesdimplez]

If BTS were already in the military, I don’t think they would want to be pulled out just to go overseas for concerts. that would be so uncool for them. I also don’t think the members would let their label schedule group concerts during their military services.

[elithluxe]

Well whatever happens, that’s what Korea deserves. They wanted it, they got it. Will be waiting for my boys to be one again as majority of the fandom will unlike what other fandoms are thinking that we’ll jump ship to them

[elangbam]

The best is yet to come for BTS and Army. We will wait for you as a whole band in 2025 in the meantime we will support members individual solo projects

[bluesea]

While they join the military service, we gonna be busy streaming their MVs and Spotify. So when they return possible most of their music will like more billions of streamings. But definitely South Korea gonna lose a lot of tourists during their duties on military service. I hope all of them stay safe and healthy. 💜

[anesidoraseneca]

Give me a moment, because I'm remembering when those other kpop labels got together to try to get exemptions possible for kpop idols, using BTS as an example... and that BTS and their label were specifically not one of those labels involved in that petition; BTS and BH never wanted any kind of special treatment.

Also, you aren't allowed to hold 2 jobs when enlisted, so the members obvs aren't planning to hold concerts. Any concerts or events would be hosted by the government/military, who would profit from it, and would likely use them for any vanity project they might want (imagine being used in a backroom deal for leverage on something?). It would be seen as taking advantage of the members' brand power, and it certainly wouldn't be seen anything altruistic. (And yeah, we've seen other idols perform at events while in uniform, but with the star power BTS have? No, them participating in anything is absolutely different.)

We just want the members to come out of their enlistment safe and healthy. That's all we (and every other fan of any other enlisted idol) want.

[lealarsen]

there is kpop lovers who consume everything kpop related, and then there is BTS fans who is only interested in BTS. and the reason for this is because that is the perfect group.
they have great music, amazing lyrics, good messages and concepts and humble carrying members who each bring something unique to the group. and they fit together like a piece of the puzzle and they love their fans. we trust them just like family or friends. it´s much more than just music bts and army are family and family. we stick together even of it has been a while since we last saw each other

[Tunapie]

NO. The last part where it said they may allow them to perform while enlisted is a big NO. When enlisted, whatever money they make performing will go to the government. Not the boys' pockets. So what we are hoping, is that, the government will allow them to serve in peace without taking advantage of them. That's what some of us are worried about.

[mooncusser]

I don't know what it is about BTS, cannot explain it. Never, ever, thought I would like them but I love them, once you see the talent, personality, etc. etc. you just fall head over heels in love with all of them. 💜💥💜

[bngnga]

We will waiting no matter how long it is 💜 Bangtan forever 💜

[ciad]

The caveat of the government of "allowing" them to perform over seas, is that the SK government by law would keep _all_ of the money made

[MinSugaCheonjae]

A lot of cultural musicians and athletes have been exempted before from the SK military. I think the reason for not giving exemption to BTS is partly due to them being "kpop idols", which is considered to be not as culturally significant. It is my opinion that they deserve the exemption as they have achieved unimaginable things in their career. If SK government had exempted them without making a public spectacle, no one would have batted an eye. But that's not what happened. The government kept dragging the issue, going back and forth on the subject, which ultimately resulted in a lot of negative press for BTS. The way things stand right now, public sentiment (in Korea) would turn against BTS if they are exempted. So I think the best option is for them to go to the military.

[saynotopw]

and now they will truly be the “bulletproof”