Conscription or human rights violation? BTS' members' military woes spark backlash against South Korea's mandatory service

BTS members' enlistment in the South Korean military was one of the widely debated topics in South Korea before the globally popular boy band announced a hiatus in 2022 to pursue their individual activities, which included enlisting in the mandatory service. Two years on, two of seven members, Jin and J-Hope, have completed their military term, while the rest¡ªRM, Suga, Jimin, V, and Jungkook¡ªwill be discharged this summer.

Every now and then, the members pen heartfelt letters for fans, sharing their everyday military lives with fans. While they have doing wonders as conscripts, their fans couldn't help but debate if it was really necessary to 'force' enlistment on them.

Fans' recent concerns stem from letters shared by RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook. While RM has been vocal about his military woes, V, who is a member of the Special Task Force in the 2nd Corps, revealed he suffered a rib injury. In their New Year Greetings, Jimin and Jungkook opened up about not feeling confident enough to present themselves before fans ahead of their looming comeback.

BTS member shares their military woes

BTS' RM shared a heartfelt and poetic letter with fans, reflecting on his military service and life. One excerpt from his note that hit hard read, "We have about three months left. 18 percent. Should we die before that? We should say hello to our health. The gravity is getting heavier. It doesn't go very well because there are four pairs, but the Ministry of National Defense's watch goes backward even if you hang it upside down. I hang it upside down, turn it around, and put it at 540 degrees. I'll come back after organizing my love and heart."

V, whose real name is Kim Taehyung, shared he broke his rib while working out in the military. Jungkook, meanwhile, shared his vulnerability during his military service in his New Year letter, admitting he felt ¡°a bit anxious, excited, and impatient.¡±

Jimin, who enlisted with Jungkook under the "Companion Soldier" buddy system, revealed that he and his fellow BTS member often discuss their life post-service before going to bed, expressing the emotional weight of the military service. He also admitted to feeling a little fear, adding, "It's been quite some time since we all performed together, and it's been a while since I've fully devoted myself to music and the stage. So, I do feel scared."

Conscription or human rights violation? Internet reacts

The countdown is on for BTS fans as RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook are nearing the end of their mandatory military service. With less than 100 days to go, the K-pop community is buzzing with excitement. However, fans are worried about the hardships these young men are facing, especially considering their national honor and global fame.

Criticizing the conscription system put in place by the South Korean government, one person on X wrote, "A BTS member just casually revealed he fractured a rib during his service. I can't imagine these conscripts faces on a daily basis. I know there are different roles within the military¡ªsome more physically taxing than others¡ªbut still, I'm sad and disgusted."

Another person added, "Namjoon has been uncharacteristically vocal about how much he can¡¯t stand enlistment, and I¡¯ve been watching the male-dominated spaces to see if that would generate any blowback, but it hasn¡¯t. All I¡¯ve seen are posts where the guys are commiserating with him."

Namjoon has been uncharacteristically vocal about how much he can¡¯t stand enlistment and I¡¯ve been watching the male dominated spaces to see if that would generate any blowback, but it hasn¡¯t. All I¡¯ve seen are posts were the guys are commiserating with him

¡ª oomfenshmirtz (@o_biennis) March 3, 2025

One X user shared, "Kpop fans tend to glorify enlistment while forgetting the word mandatory. "". I really don't understand in what world joining the military is good, especially one that is required."

Kpop fans tend to glorify enlistment while forgetting the word "mandatory". I really don't understand in what world is joining the military good especially one that is required https://t.co/oUMw0WMBSB

¡ª milfzun agenda ? (@sqqsprosecutor) March 4, 2025

"I mean this in full support of what he's doing: the way he posts/writes those posts, too, is a lot like a very quiet or subtle way of radicalizing men about military enlistment in Korea," mentioned another fan.

Taehyung just told us he broke a rib while in the military, and there's people who called forced military conscription a "summer camp" for the boys, I hate this so fcking much

¡ª vaish? (@hobabylvr) March 3, 2025

"Military conscription always has been and always will be a violation of human rights," wrote one user, condemning the mandatory service.

military conscription always has been and always will be a violation of human rights

¡ª milk cherry ©¤©¤?.? ¨B ? (@googiemonstur) March 4, 2025

Another penned a strongly worded note and wrote, "Forced military conscription is an abuse of human rights & autonomy. Just because people can find good moments in bad situations doesn¡¯t mean the situation fails to be harmful. Just because someone is strong enough to cope with something awful doesn¡¯t mean they should have to."

Forced military conscription is an abuse of human rights & autonomy. Just because people can find good moments in bad situations doesn¡¯t mean the situation fails to be harmful. Just because someone is strong enough to cope with something awful doesn¡¯t mean they should have to.

¡ª April Dalaman? (@AprilDalaman) March 4, 2025

Conscription in South Korea

For those who may not be aware, all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 35 are required to perform mandatory military service in South Korea. Individuals with significant health issues, transgender men who have not legally changed their gender, are barred from conscription. Winning an Olympic gold medal can also exempt a male athlete from mandatory military service.

BTS members RM and V will be discharged from the military on June 11, while Jungkook and Jimin will follow suit a day later. Suga, who is enlisted as a public service agent, will be discharged on June 21.

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