a 2 year hiatus won't make any harm to the group. on the contrary, it actually avoids image wear and creates more expectation for the comeback

BTS fans are going nowhere!! The effect these 7 men have on their fans throughout the world is something I never expected or saw before - it’s a true connection!! And they have fans of all ages - I’ve had the opportunity to see them 4 times - twice in LA and twice in Vegas - and while a lot of their fans are younger adults, the “moms, dads, grandparents” ages 40-50-60 plus were just as apparent, loud and supportive of BTS!!! And these folks come without “kids” - they are there to support BTS because THEY love BTS!!! In all my 56 years I have seen the best of the best when it comes to entertainers and concerts - but nothing ever prepared me for being a BTS ARMY!!! It’s an amazing experience!! And I agree with other comments - these are proud Korean men who are proud of their culture - I honestly don’t think they would want an exemption. Because of them I am learning Korean, mastering Asian cooking, studying the culture and spent a month last summer in South Korea experiencing it firsthand all thanks to BTS!!! So yes I will catch up on all the content and save my money because 2025 will be all about a comeback like you’ve never seen before - BTS will be back and there’s no stopping them then!!!! 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

I respect the older kpop groups like Super Junior, TVXQ and Shinee a lot. They serve their duty with pride despite the hardship they had to go through. That's why they are still relevant today, and still have loyal adoring fans all over the world. Because the fans appreciate their craft and dedication. They waited patiently and lovingly for the members to complete their duty.

We waited for a decade. So proud of my SuJu boys for completing their military service. You can also do it 3rd gen fans. You’ll love them even more after they serve their country 💙

BTS fans will still be here. There's no aging out for me. It doesn't matter how long it takes. I love all 7 of them, but once you Jimin you can't Jim out. If the value of a South Korean contribution to the country cannot be decided on if they should be exempt from the military service its not fair to choose one artist or athlete over others. It's not a fair process.

I’m a gramma ARMY and will never “age out” of loving BTS.

So happy who ever produced this segment included Enhypen in the list. They're going to be HUGE stars.

BTS as a band along with their agency made the decision to complete their service within 2.5 years. The local media debated it, brought the public into it, which brought in unwanted and in some cases unnecessary hate toward the band. South Korea is under constant threat from the North. I think the nation, as well as the band, knows the importance of service to country and will fulfill the commitment.

I think the only reason this video is out because Jin is about to enlist. No one made a big commotion about any other male Kpop star enlisting. Jin going in is a huge international deal.

A benefit BTS has over a lot of other kpop groups is their fans are of all ages so there is no aging out of being a fan. If you make great music then fans will still be there and you can always reach new fans too. And it's not like they will super old when they are done Jin (the oldest) will be 32 and Jungkook (the youngest) will be around 27, they can still perform well at that age. I think BTS current plan for service is pretty solid all the members are working on solo projects and all members will likely enlist by the end of 2023 so they can reunite in 2025. This way they can still share music and other content with fans to enjoy while they are serving, and then they will be discharged pretty close together too. Their comeback in 2025 is going to be huge because fans will eagerly be awaiting their return. I'm saving my money now because their first tour after their service is going to be hell to get tickets for. And there is also a chance that through their solo music more people who are hesitant to like a "boy band" will become fans of the members as soloists and then check out more of BTS music because BTS are true music artists who love music and performing. And in the west it's normal for artists to have long stretches between albums so 2 years is not that long of a wait. And I will say this the whole exemption for kpop artists should've been figured out a long time ago, they had plenty of time to make a decision and they didn't. I don't think BTS ever had plans to accept an exemption even if offered one, they don't want the backlash from Korean citizens and they don't want any special treatment. If the biggest group in the world doesn't get exempted then take away all exemptions aside from serious medical issues. You can't have mandatory service and grant exemptions to award winning athletes and classical musicians, that's not fair either. Anyways I wish nothing but the best for BTS during their service and until they return I'm loving all the solo releases so far and we still have plenty more coming.

This just shows how the western sees kpop in general. Nobody is holding their breath, we know and respect they have to serve and we'll wait for them.

Proud of Siwon Choi and every member of Super Junior.

Their future is not uncertain. It is very much how it’s supposed to plan out. We as fans are very supportive and understanding. We’ll be waiting patiently.

Super junior, Tvxq and Bigbig bang served the military and still have a active fanbase. We fans are loyal.

Don’t forget my dude Taecyeon he gave up his U.S. residency to serve in the ROK and retook the physical exams after two disc injuries and excelled in the Army promoted to Sergeant and received an award for his exemplary conduct and he participated in Armed forces day. And a friend of mines who’s Korean American he gave up his U.S. residency to join the ROK Navy and became A UDT operator the Korean version of the U.S. Navy SEALs.

The guy was pretty clueless and ignorant saying that people would "age out" of k-pop. Music is music, and if you love your faves then you'll always be there to support them no matter how old you are. At least that is the case with BTSxARMY. We'll always be here for them, so they have nothing to worry about💜

If it's the duty of all Korean men to serve, then so will BTS, they themselves have made it clear that they want to do their duty. As fans we should support and hope they come back.

Super Junior = legends forever

While going away for military can cause concern if they'll be popular when they come back, I think what's really concerning is how anyone is treated in the military. Many idols get harassed. Taemin had a really shitty time there with other guys trying to get pictures of him inappropriately

proud of Siwon, and it is that Super Junior have gone through a lot and one of those things was the military service, although all the Korean singers have done it, they have managed to stay in the industry even with the absence of their members. And that is why SJ is an example within the industry.

No, we don't age up. No we don't move up. 💜

When we'll see our favourite groups on stage again? Depends on the group we follow. Their company will give us a questimated date. For BTS, at some point in 2025, hopefully by June at latest if not, December. And that's life, fans will come and go but people in their own fandoms, who are like Armys, will stay for their respective boys until they return. Like with Super Junior. As Siwon said, (and I know another idol, Henry I believe his name is), they learnt a lot about themselves and from their experiences while in service and they were proud to do it in the end. This is a change in life, and people rarely like change because it's new territory and it makes for an uncertainty, but sometimes change can be good because you explore more. And yes, things won't be the same when groups come back BUT that will depend on the fandoms themselves on how their comeback will be.

We don't age out...I have been a SuJu, TVXQ, SHINee, and a whole bunch of other bands super fan since 2008. We don't age out...we do however get a bit bummed when people think KPOP started with BTS. It didn't. These kids go through ridiculous garbage in their military career. Other soldiers trying to sneak pictures of them in showers etc. Many of us are currently getting ready for a SHINee, Super M comeback as Taemin finishes his service soon.

I think BTS has already served their country in so many ways. This is Double dipping if one considers how much they have added to South Koreas economy. Consider the free Busan concert in support to bid for the 2030 World Expo. The members together and individually have been participating in Charities and donations since 2014. Look it up. Philanthropy is in their blood. They participate in the Lotte Duty free concerts, honorary tourism ambassadors of Soul for many years. The fans are even learning the Korean language due to them and they were honored by the Hangul Cultural Association because of it and so much more. They do so much more than sing and dance. With all of this they are still willing to do their military duties. I'm a fan for life.

ENHYPEN?? NOT THE GROUP THAT JUST TURNED 2😭😭 PLEASE THEY STILL HAVE OVER 8 YEARS LEFT

Loyal fans will always remain even as the age or take interest in other groups/things, just like old rock groups and pop groups can still have their fans show up and support them in concerts after a long number of years kpop fans will do the same so they’ll be fine I just hope if they can’t be exempt (cause I can see how that can be seen as unfair by regular everyday korean men who can’t be exempted) but if they can’t be exempt at least also give them the option to serve at the same time so they can come back at the same time

Bendiciones para cada uno. Para todos los coreanos que deben apoyar a su país. Aquí los estaremos apoyando y esperando. ARMY 4EVER FROM MÉXICO

the only reason why sokor is discussing exemption laws now more than ever is because of bts and their impact not only to the sokor economy but globally. since bts has now moved to fulfill their duty, there is no reason for these other groups who didnt achieve even a fraction of what bts did to be exempted 🤷

EXO. Super junior. Nct my SM family forever my favorite record company nothing but the best talent and legendary groups and artists. TVXQ and super junior have definitely proven just because in the military doesn't mean you're going to lose your fan base they're going stronger than ever. My brothers EXO are kind of on hiatus with members doing military service but even on hiatus they have gained so many fans that's why they are one of the biggest K-pop groups of all time with one of the biggest fandoms in Kpop history EXO-L is here for EXO and we will wait until they come back as one their popularity continues to grow even after 10 years soon to be 11 years Let's Stay Together Forever We Are One

BTS and ARMY are Never Breaking up. Us Army will be here waiting for our Kings BTS. BTS has bonded a Purple 💜 with us Army's. They have Touched, Helped and Loved Many Hearts. They Are our Treasure we Protect. BTS are My Strength, Comfort and Happiness 💜 Thank you BTS for being here for us and We Love You BTS 💜🤟We Are All Forever Bulletproof 💜

Switch to other group? Age out? Glad there are alternative options, but clearly they don't know BTS ARMYs. They've blessed us with so much amazing contents that I'm still catching up on it since being ARMY in 2014. It's their country, their law, their pride as Korean men. Making my list of contents to watch as 2025 will be here in a blink of an eye...not going anywhere. ApoBangpo 💜

Damn I’m just watching this crying because I’m going to miss BTS so much. But so proud of Super Junior who are still going strong and having such a great bond after all these years.

I am willing to wait no matter how long it takes 💜💜💜

This is such a good report!!! I’m still sad that Big Bang, 2 pm, VIXX will never be the same after their military service 😢

BTS armys are not going anywhere but with our boys. We will be waiting and streaming them.we will never move out to other groups or age out. Cos unlike other groups armys have a wide demographics and not teenagers looking for change as they age up. We will be here just as we did without concerts during covid pandemic.

It's really unfair when you think about it that Olympic gold medalist can be exempted for bringing honor to the country while idols who bring honor, money and fame to the country do not. Athlete's deserve it and so do idols, they both train for YEARS, and are still continuously training for each performance. Idols don't even get proper sleep with the intense schedule they have, Brin revenue into the country, receives hate from trolls online, wins intl award but still get looked down upon by their own government smh.

Millions of BTS fans are 40, 50, 60 plus years of age, and of course we are not going to "age out." We also attend their concerts, and many of us don't "scream." We love and admire these seven men because they are world class singers and dancers, and brilliant composers, arrangers, and producers. They are humanitarians who are respected globally, not only in Asia but in western counties as well, most notablely by the United States government. Bts is loved by ALL ages, and we will be there for them ALWAYS. 💜

One thing is for sure, BTS is an international treasure and if they are hurt in anyway because they had to go into the military then at the very least 50 million people if not more will blame South Korea and the government. It's not a threat just a statement of fact.

Pls they aren’t the first group to leave for military. We always wait for our idols. They always come out stronger

I understand how hard this topic is. This is definitely something only Koreans can really decide.

Thank you for interviewing Siwon Choi on this topic, as fans we can tell how much he loves his country and the feel of responsibility that he has for his nation. You chose a great example of how a successful idol can continue his career despite being apart from the spotlight in order to fulfill his duty as a citizen. As he said, hard work pays off and that is one of the many reasons Super Junior has a long and ongoing career as one of the most respected and loved 2nd generation boy bands.

As always Thank You for all you have done and are willing to do on behalf of BTS and ARMY .. you are a Blessing !

I think the exemption law needs to either be amended to reflect current times or removed entirely. It feels outdated that classical musician winners are exempted. Also, solutions to ensure idols aren’t harassed and/or taken advantage of while serving.

I will love bts during and after military service. The way they have impacted my live is almost unbelievable. I was on the brink of giving up, but they made me realize how much I am trully worth and that I should pursue my own happines first before I can make other people happy.

It's not only K-pop or BTS. It's every Korean Male that is affected by this. Famous actors have served as well. What about those with Religious beliefs who are still forced to serve anywhere? It's a broader argument that should include every male. Even those without privilege's rights have to be considered too.

honestly knowing BTS, NCT and these major K-Pop groups. I have no concern whatsoever for their popularity or if they are going to struggle AS MUCH after their military duties. These K-Pop groups have really strong and reliable fans. If these fans say they are going nowhere, then they are most likely aren't gonna go anywhere haha. and who knows, making a comeback after 3+ years of military duties might just give them a good boost because these fans really and I mean REALLY love these guys. I wish Seok-Jin of BTS to have a safe military enlistment! 김석진 화이팅!

So happy EXO are almost all done with military service...I've missed them so much

I’ll be here! 😊

최시원은 최고의 아티스트야 항상 응원해 어서!👍👍👍❤❤❤

I will be waiting for them.

this is one of the strong things that i've knew how hard the artist are when they have some choices for their life.....however they all become stronger then ever, i am sure all the members of BTS will be much stronger then ever, they are special and they are have a good heart too, i never worry about all of them. just keep doing the best things for the life, because life is go on.....your biggest support from omy bali

We don’t move on. We were here for SuJu, We were here for Shinee, we will be here for BTS.

Don’t worry. ARMY will stay and will patiently await our boys’ regrouping while supporting each member’s solo career. 🍵

I’m still waiting for exo to make their comeback after military service 😭 most fans don’t leave the fandom we just wait and get the chances to experience other music from different groups until they come back.

I love super junior. I'm glad they're doing good.

I understand the pros and cons and I'm sure this will effect people differently just like everyone else. However, I think one of the advantages of them fulfilling the same duty that is expected of all their eligible males in their country will be learning how to better relate and understand common experience with many more people in not only those who go through their military service but how it effects their family, friends, significant others, and the huge number of fans who have or will face this same experience. Also, these young men have lived a sheltered life since they were in their young teens. It is likely to be more challenging but will also be a great way togain experience and build their individual characters. I'm not implying they lack character. I am saying that they are not allowed to live a life where they can gain many of the experiences that their fans can and do experience. This experience may add more depth into their song writing and creative ideas. I'm not presumptuous enough to say I'm right about any of this but you asked me to comment what my thoughts are on this subject and these are those thought just off the too of head. I do hope they have good leaders who understand their past and futue possibilities and can be teachers as well as leaders. This could be a great opportunity for growth or in the wrong hands a traumatic experience even in peacetime. It will be up to those in positions of power and I pray it is not abused as so often is the case by those who seek positions of power versus positions of leadership.

so happy to see my boys nct, enha, exo, and bts on the news in america-!❤

1:48 ah so glad (also very unexpected) to see SuJu here. Agreed SuJu & the groups around & before them walked on this path. Very hard & uncertain

Became an Army as an old woman. Not gonna age out. It may happen, though, that the time they spend in the military could change their outlook on life, goals, etc. And if that happens, I will be happy for them. (Okay...I admit I will cry and mourn for awhile.) They have the right to grow and change, in whatever form that takes. But, I will watch their vids and listen to their music forever.

when bigbang went into the military - mind you, this was when i was really into k-pop (still is a fan of k-pop, but i just don’t fangirl crazy) - i was heartbroken to not hear their music until they got out. but when they did, i still do listen to their music and is still a fan. i love bts before going into the military - jin is my bias - and i will still love them after they get out. united states media just likes to take the current narrative of what’s popular and gets them views and turn them into some drama, when it’s plainly just something straightforward.

It’s only 2 years, they will be fine. Will only create more hype for the next album.

I know Siwon as an actor, then learned he’s part of a huge K-pop group. As an actor he’s brilliant and hilarious. But it’s like they’re working double time for the country. If they’re generating so much money and contributing to their economy in that way then maybe they cld amend the service requirements. Not really exempting them but maybe shortening their time to serve. Rather than 2, do 1 year of service. BTS in particular shld definitely get special consideration. I’m not really a Kpop fan but I’ve followed their massive global success story. These boys have been busting their asses nonstop.

no one talk about hw wise ONF move tat they enlist together so that they can fulfil their service without their fans waitin for long period of time & they have plenty of time for them to promote in the future...

Exo went to the military from 2019 and we the exols never left them we are still with thrm and this year 2023 they will have a comeback

It’s hard as an EXOL 😭 Ayye they called most of my groups

As an Army, I would wait for them forever!

101% real army of bts waiting until 2025 for our my loves 7normal boys from sk💜

I get it. I wondered myself, since they’re helping Korea’s Hallyu which helps Korea’s economy. BUT this isn’t a new rule, and so many groups before them have served, so if they did, it could cause controversy.

Why is this brought up when the members themselves said that they want to serve as it’s their duty as a SK male. Stop ignoring what the members intent are. ARMYs are more than happy to wait for 2 yrs and we will be unstoppable after 2025.

Army is here for bts forever they are not only 7. We are here. The only important thing for us is their and our fandom's health. Stay healthy and happy bts and army. There is only love and respect between us. Btsxarmy forever 💜🔥🤘

3:33 Is that Changmin with Siwon?

We bts’s army base is so strong and are built with love and trusting each other bts will never loss their fans because we are always going to wait for them no matter how much time it’s going to take love u bts 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

Many groups had to go including Super Junior, TVXQ and SHINee (waiting on their last member to finish) and now BTS. I hope that seeing fans still here, still supporting these groups after discharge bring a little comfort to BTS. Army are dedicated and I do not think they have anything to worry about. Most will wait for them to come back.

No está subtitulado, mis súper juniors, ejemplo

We’re NOT moving

SJ took 10yrs... and ELF waited for 10yrs, good thing for BTS since their age are close to one another it would not take ARMY that long to wait for their idols. Respect much for these young man to serve their country and working hard on stage to give their fans a very good show!

Patiently waiting for EXO to comeback as 9 members. So proud of them.

Since BTS are going, NO ONE shall EVER avoid military service

Me a big old 35 year old Big Bang fan still screaming when I see tae Yang lol and Choi I’m screaming at too 🎉

SIWON!

Nice

I just love that NCT is in this conversation.

As an ARMY… we will FOREVER be waiting for the guys. Without a hesitation. BTS, and ARMY are different, and will always be each other’s support. Do not ever forget that, and we will put this type of talk to.. FINALLY..rest

All I need is the safety and healthy of my loved ones

SHINee is another original band that soon will be United with Taemin release coming up 🤗🤗

There are also many in the finance profession that don’t have to serve and find a way out. (Go figure)

We ARMY's are so proud 🥺💜💜💜💜 we will waiting for OT7 no matter how long it is 💜🥺

This goes to show how westerners really have no idea of how it works in the east. There are still some groups within Kpop who are active for more than 2 decades now (TVXQ are nearly 2 decades old, debuting in 2003, SuJu will soon be, debuting in 2005, Shinhwa being 22 years old, still active) all these are active for a reason- their loyal fans, as well as these group's relevance to their fans. If BTS can keep up with this (which I don't even think is needed tbh I've met tons of ARMYs who're super loyal & obsessed with BTS that they'll never leave them), or as Siwon said, use creative tactics, then they can survive in the industry pretty much the same time as SuJu or other 2nd gen (amd even sone 1st gen) currently active groups

My love for kpop started with Super Junior & Sorry Sorry

One of the differences between other KPop Groups and BTS is that fandom ARMY is not going anywhere, we will still be here for as long as it takes. Army is built among millions of fans around the world with different ages, so we´re here to stay. Another very important reason and difference is that BTS has achieved global impact and they have planned a strategy to be able to fullfill their military duty. ALSO, please keep in mind, BTS have already decided to complete their Military duty, JIN is starting in a couple of days and the rest of the members will follow, if BTS members are doing their MS (despide their billions of $$$$ contribution to Korea) then the rest of KPop groups will have to do that too.

#ELF had to wait 10 years! Fandom getting bigger with new ELFs from new generation. #SUPERJUNIOR 💙

💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

They need to treat their soldiers better. Not torment and bully them to the point of suicide. 😢

The exception here is that if they are born in the United States Canada and Australia and retain their citizenship from those countries then they are exempt from the Enlistment unless they chose to give up Australian Canadian and American citizenship for a Korean one.

EXO have demonstrated they have overcome the challenges of military conscription. Their Fan base has grown, the subunits and solo work has been extremely successful and as a group, the Obsession album prior to Covid was one of their best (with two members already serving). 2023 will see a small window when the group will be together for the first time since 2019 before the last two members Kai and Sehun join the military. They have fulfilled their military obligations quietly and received acclaim for fulfilling their duty (often receiving recognition). The influence of EXO's success highlights to other bands including BTS, Seventeen, NCT that military service whilst army life is demanding and impacts their personal life (Chen had to leave his young family). It is also an opportunity to grow as individuals and Artists. However lets hope the military figure out the shower/privacy issue.

Armies will never leave our 7 kings

This feels so dramatic. Its been happening since first gen and honestly if they didn't enlist the government was probably gonna make some trashy exploitive deal with them in exchange for exemption. It is very unlikely that they will lose popularity and fans especially since most of us are multi stans anyway

Forever Army ♾️💜

I will never age out of bts, been here for seven years and still going

You better believe Army are not moving on to another group!!!! We are here and we will wait for them!