K-pop boy band BTS might still be able to perform overseas while serving in the military, South Korea's defence minister said on Monday, as the country debates shortening mandatory military service for K-pop stars to three weeks from about two years. The issue is coming sharply into focus with the oldest member of the band, Jin, turning 30 next year.&nbsp;

Under a 2019 revision of the law, globally recognised K-pop stars were allowed to put off their service until 30. Military service is hugely controversial in South Korea, where all able-bodied men aged between 18 and 28 must fulfil their duties as part of efforts to defend against nuclear-armed North Korea.

Over the years, some categories have won exemptions - either allowed to put off service or to do shorter service - including Olympics and Asian Games medal winners and classical musicians and dancers who win top prizes at certain competitions.

Parliament is now debating a bill that would shorten military service for K-pop stars. Speaking at the parliamentary session, Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup said that by allowing BTS to continue performing, the military could serve national interests without affecting the already shrinking pool of personnel resources due to low birth rates.

BTS'&nbsp;management, Big Hit, did not respond to a request for comment.

"Even if they join the military, there would be a way to give them a chance to practise and perform together if there are scheduled concerts abroad," Lee said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sting-warns-during-warsaw-concert-of-threats-to-democracy-502562">Sting warns during Warsaw concert of threats to democracy</a>

"As many people highly value (artists serving) in the military, that may help boost their popularity even more."

The seven-member band announced a break in June from group musical activities to pursue solo projects, pleading exhaustion. In April, a Big Hit official said some members were having a "hard time" because of uncertainties over the parliament debate, which called for a decision.

Since their 2013 debut, BTS became a worldwide sensation with their upbeat hits and social campaigns aimed at empowering youth.

BTS became the first Asian band to win artist of the year at the American Music Awards last year, and they met U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House in May to discuss hate crimes targeting Asians.

A South Korean think tank estimated in 2018 that BTS would bring an economic benefit totalling 56 trillion won ($43 billion) between 2014 and 2023.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bts-tease-fans-with-glimpses-of-bad-decisions-featuring-snoop-dogg-benny-blanco-502555">BTS tease fans with glimpses of 'Bad Decisions' featuring Snoop Dogg, Benny Blanco</a>

K-pop boy band BTS might still be able to perform overseas while serving in the military, South Korea's defence minister said on Monday, as the country debates shortening mandatory military service for K-pop stars to three weeks from about two years.

K-pop boy band BTS might still be able to perform overseas while serving in the military, South Korea's defence minister said on Monday, as the country debates shortening mandatory military service for K-pop stars to three weeks from about two years. The issue is coming sharply into focus with the oldest member of the band, Jin, turning 30 next year. Under a 2019 revision of the law, globally recognised K-pop stars were allowed to put off their service until 30. Military service is hugely controversial in South Korea, where all able-bodied men aged between 18 and 28 must fulfil their duties as part of efforts to defend against nuclear-armed North Korea. Over the years, some categories have won exemptions - either allowed to put off service or to do shorter service - including Olympics and Asian Games medal winners and classical musicians and dancers who win top prizes at certain competitions. Parliament is now debating a bill that would shorten military service for K-pop stars. Speaking at the parliamentary session, Defence Minister Lee Jong-sup said that by allowing BTS to continue performing, the military could serve national interests without affecting the already shrinking pool of personnel resources due to low birth rates. BTS' management, Big Hit, did not respond to a request for comment. "Even if they join the military, there would be a way to give them a chance to practise and perform together if there are scheduled concerts abroad," Lee said. Also Read: Sting warns during Warsaw concert of threats to democracy "As many people highly value (artists serving) in the military, that may help boost their popularity even more." The seven-member band announced a break in June from group musical activities to pursue solo projects, pleading exhaustion. In April, a Big Hit official said some members were having a "hard time" because of uncertainties over the parliament debate, which called for a decision. Since their 2013 debut, BTS became a worldwide sensation with their upbeat hits and social campaigns aimed at empowering youth. BTS became the first Asian band to win artist of the year at the American Music Awards last year, and they met U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House in May to discuss hate crimes targeting Asians. A South Korean think tank estimated in 2018 that BTS would bring an economic benefit totalling 56 trillion won ($43 billion) between 2014 and 2023. Also Read: BTS tease fans with glimpses of 'Bad Decisions' featuring Snoop Dogg, Benny Blanco

K-pop's BTS may still be able to perform while doing military service - South Korea's defence minister

Global K-pop group BTS’ new album ‘Proof’ has topped the Japanese Oricon ‘Weekly Album Ranking’ chart. According to the latest Oricon chart, which was released on June 24, BTS’ album ‘Proof’ earned 546,373 points between June 13 and June 19, and topped the ‘Weekly Album Ranking’ chart, as per Global Economic. Their agency, Big Hit Music, said, "BTS’ 540,000 points were the highest points for the Oricon weekly album chart." BTS has topped the weekly album chart with a total of six albums, including their latest album, ‘Proof.'

This is the largest number of albums ranked on the chart. ‘Proof’ is an anthology album containing BTS’ 9-year history since their debut in 2013. Since its release, it has topped the Oricon Weekly Album Ranking chart by selling 514,000 copies in Japan. It also topped the Weekly Digital Album Ranking chart for two consecutive weeks.

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Meanwhile, the South Korean boy band BTS will hold a global concert to support the nation's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan. HYBE’s Chairman, Bang Si-Hyuk, and CEO, Park Jiwon, and Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, Park Jeong-joon, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this morning at the Busan Metropolitan City Hall to promote Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030.&nbsp;

As part of the agreement, BTS as ambassadors will hold the Global Busan Concert in an effort to bring the World Expo 2030 to Busan. The memorandum covers joint initiatives for Busan to succeed in its bid as the host. It includes BTS to "act as the ambassadors, hold global concerts in Busan, organise activities to appeal to the members of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE); and personally introduce the proposed site for the BIE Enquiry Missions."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/btss-new-album-proof-makes-history-debuts-at-no-1-on-billboard-200-army-rejoices-489874">BTS's new album 'Proof' makes history, debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200, ARMY rejoices</a>

"They also have to "serve as the ambassadors at South Korea’s presentation session, be present on the election day to support the bid, provide photos and videos for the city’s digital campaigns, and spread promotional videos via official social media channels."

The news comes days after BTS members announced they would be taking a break to focus on their solo projects. BTS consists of 7 members-RM, Jin, Suga, J. Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkok-with RM as their leader. The first artist announcement for a solo album after the group confirmed their disbandment, came from BTS band member J-Hope on Saturday, revealing that he will release a solo album called ‘Jack in the Box’ on July 15.&nbsp;

Global K-pop group BTS’ new album ‘Proof’ has topped the Japanese Oricon ‘Weekly Album Ranking’ chart. According to the latest Oricon chart, which was released on June 24, BTS’ album ‘Proof’ earned 546,373 points between June 13 and June 19, and topped the ‘Weekly Album Ranking’ chart, as per Global Economic.

Global K-pop group BTS’ new album ‘Proof’ has topped the Japanese Oricon ‘Weekly Album Ranking’ chart. According to the latest Oricon chart, which was released on June 24, BTS’ album ‘Proof’ earned 546,373 points between June 13 and June 19, and topped the ‘Weekly Album Ranking’ chart, as per Global Economic. Their agency, Big Hit Music, said, "BTS’ 540,000 points were the highest points for the Oricon weekly album chart." BTS has topped the weekly album chart with a total of six albums, including their latest album, ‘Proof.' This is the largest number of albums ranked on the chart. ‘Proof’ is an anthology album containing BTS’ 9-year history since their debut in 2013. Since its release, it has topped the Oricon Weekly Album Ranking chart by selling 514,000 copies in Japan. It also topped the Weekly Digital Album Ranking chart for two consecutive weeks. Also Read: K-pop band BTS drops anthology album 'Proof' and ARMY is beyond excited! Meanwhile, the South Korean boy band BTS will hold a global concert to support the nation's bid to host the 2030 World Expo in Busan. HYBE’s Chairman, Bang Si-Hyuk, and CEO, Park Jiwon, and Mayor of Busan Metropolitan City, Park Jeong-joon, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this morning at the Busan Metropolitan City Hall to promote Busan’s bid for the World Expo 2030. As part of the agreement, BTS as ambassadors will hold the Global Busan Concert in an effort to bring the World Expo 2030 to Busan. The memorandum covers joint initiatives for Busan to succeed in its bid as the host. It includes BTS to "act as the ambassadors, hold global concerts in Busan, organise activities to appeal to the members of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE); and personally introduce the proposed site for the BIE Enquiry Missions." Also Read: BTS's new album 'Proof' makes history, debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200, ARMY rejoices "They also have to "serve as the ambassadors at South Korea’s presentation session, be present on the election day to support the bid, provide photos and videos for the city’s digital campaigns, and spread promotional videos via official social media channels." The news comes days after BTS members announced they would be taking a break to focus on their solo projects. BTS consists of 7 members-RM, Jin, Suga, J. Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkok-with RM as their leader. The first artist announcement for a solo album after the group confirmed their disbandment, came from BTS band member J-Hope on Saturday, revealing that he will release a solo album called ‘Jack in the Box’ on July 15.

BTS' new album 'Proof' tops the Japanese Oricon chart

The popular Korean pop band BTS has been receiving a lot of love recently as a member of theirs, SUGA is recovering from a shoulder surgery. Many BTS fans have been concerned with his recovery as the ARMY (as their fans are popularly called) have taken to different social media platforms to share their concern.

BTS member J-hope shared recently that SUGA is “quickly recovering”. "SUGA is quickly recovering at the moment. The absence of even just one member feels huge for us, so all the members including SUGA himself are hoping that he gets better quickly, so that he can join us on stage for us to become whole again," J-hope told IANS.

The South Korean boy band, also comprising RM, Jin, Jimin, V and Jungkook, have been entertaining music lovers with their music for some years now. Their latest single and album ‘Dynamite’ has topped Billboard Hot 100 chart. ‘Dynamite’ is their first single entirely in English language.&nbsp;

"We're very thankful for the love and support that we have received with 'Dynamite'. It also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, so it is very meaningful for us, but we don't necessarily think this was because it was an English track," said Jungkook.

"Our goal with 'Dynamite' was to give a burst of energy to the listeners and we're just glad to have achieved that goal. We are eager to continue to give hope and joy to our listeners through our music," he added.

Talking about their new album "BE (Deluxe Edition)", RM shared: "We believe all of our albums are important and have played important roles in our career. 'BE' is an album that we created to reflect our current thoughts and emotions and deliver a message of hope to our fans all over the world."

"Like the meaning of the title track, 'Life goes on', we want to comfort people around the world through the message that life will continue even in this difficult moment. If that message is well conveyed, we will have achieved our goal," he said.

"We're ready to meet our fans whenever we can as soon as this pandemic comes to an end. There is nothing we want more than to go on tour to meet ARMY again in person. We really want to reach as many ARMY in the world as possible, so we hope to visit India in the future if an opportunity is given," said Jin, another BTS member on wanting to meet fans from around the world.&nbsp;

The popular Korean pop band BTS has been receiving a lot of love recently as a member of theirs, SUGA is recovering from a shoulder surgery. Many BTS fans have been concerned with his recovery as the ARMY (as their fans are popularly called) have taken to different social media platforms to share their concern.

The popular Korean pop band BTS has been receiving a lot of love recently as a member of theirs, SUGA is recovering from a shoulder surgery. Many BTS fans have been concerned with his recovery as the ARMY (as their fans are popularly called) have taken to different social media platforms to share their concern. BTS member J-hope shared recently that SUGA is “quickly recovering”. "SUGA is quickly recovering at the moment. The absence of even just one member feels huge for us, so all the members including SUGA himself are hoping that he gets better quickly, so that he can join us on stage for us to become whole again," J-hope told IANS. The South Korean boy band, also comprising RM, Jin, Jimin, V and Jungkook, have been entertaining music lovers with their music for some years now. Their latest single and album ‘Dynamite’ has topped Billboard Hot 100 chart. ‘Dynamite’ is their first single entirely in English language. "We're very thankful for the love and support that we have received with 'Dynamite'. It also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, so it is very meaningful for us, but we don't necessarily think this was because it was an English track," said Jungkook. "Our goal with 'Dynamite' was to give a burst of energy to the listeners and we're just glad to have achieved that goal. We are eager to continue to give hope and joy to our listeners through our music," he added. Talking about their new album "BE (Deluxe Edition)", RM shared: "We believe all of our albums are important and have played important roles in our career. 'BE' is an album that we created to reflect our current thoughts and emotions and deliver a message of hope to our fans all over the world." "Like the meaning of the title track, 'Life goes on', we want to comfort people around the world through the message that life will continue even in this difficult moment. If that message is well conveyed, we will have achieved our goal," he said. "We're ready to meet our fans whenever we can as soon as this pandemic comes to an end. There is nothing we want more than to go on tour to meet ARMY again in person. We really want to reach as many ARMY in the world as possible, so we hope to visit India in the future if an opportunity is given," said Jin, another BTS member on wanting to meet fans from around the world.

As a BTS member recovers from surgery, K pop band reveal 'we hope to visit India'

South Korea's popular boy band BTS' management label, Big Hit Entertainment, on Thursday (August 13) released an online presentation video and said it saw a 27% jump in half-year profits as its online concert and merchandise sales more than offset event cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

K-Pop group BTS' label Big Hit posts profit jump as it prepares for IPO 

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K-pop's BTS may still be able to perform while doing military service - South Korea's defence minister

BTS' new album 'Proof' tops the Japanese Oricon chart

As a BTS member recovers from surgery, K pop band reveal 'we hope to visit India'

K-Pop group BTS' label Big Hit posts profit jump as it prepares for IPO