South Korea paves way for BTS to delay military service

Culture minister given power to nominate pop stars for 2-year deferment

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Fans of South Korean boy band BTS have been dreading the looming military service facing its members. © AP

KIM JAEWON, Nikkei staff writer

SEOUL -- Members of K-pop sensation BTS will likely be able to postpone their compulsory stint in the army until the age of 30 after lawmakers passed a revision to the country's Military Service Law on Tuesday.

The clock has been ticking for BTS. Normally, South Korean men are required to begin 18 months of military service by the time they turn 28. The oldest member of the group, Jin, turns 28 on Friday. The youngest member, Jungkook, is 23.

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