Military Service in Korea
All South Korean men must complete mandatory military service between ages 18-28. There are virtually no exemptions.
Duration by Branch
| Branch | Duration |
|---|---|
| Army | 18 months |
| Navy | 20 months |
| Air Force | 21 months |
Impact on K-Pop
Military service is a major topic for K-pop fans because male idols disappear for 18-21 months.
The "BTS Law"
In 2022, Korea adopted the "BTS Law" allowing artists to postpone service until age 30.
BTS Military Service Timeline
All 7 BTS members enlisted between December 2022 and December 2023, with discharges between June 2024 and June 2025.