BTS may be exempted from mandatory military service says a new statement from South Korea culture minister

For several years, there have been presumptions that BTS members would leave the band to accomplish their military service, but this has been postponed until now. South Korean law requires all able-bodied adult males between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve in the armed forces for at least 21 months, but BTS members were previously granted a two-year extension.

According to a new statement from South Korea's culture minister, BTS members may not have to take a break from their music career to join the military after all. Jin and Suga are the oldest BTS members at 29, followed by J-Hope at 28, RM at 27, and Jimin and V at 26. Jungkook, the youngest member, is 24 years old. 

Jin and Suga are expected to enroll by December of this year. Hwang Hee, South Korea's Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, has granted BTS ARMY faith that the band may not have to enter the army.

According to Allkpop, Hwang Hee has suggested that South Korean global icons, such as award-winning athletes and musicians, be permitted to replace obligatory armed forces service with other alternative programs in acknowledgment of their efforts in enhancing the country's reputation abroad.

Hwang Hee stated during a press conference in Seoul on Wednesday,

"It's time to create a system for incorporating popular culture-art figures as art personnel. The system has been operated meaningfully to give those who have enhanced the national status based on their excellent skills more chances to contribute to the country, and there is no reason the popular art-culture field should be excluded from this."

Last month, BTS performed a four-day concert in the United States. Proof, their anthology album, is set to be released on June 10th.