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K-Pop’s BTS May Still Be Able to Perform While Doing Military Service, Says Minister

Nini Lee, a South Korean fan of the K-pop boy band BTS poses for photographs with a BTS photo during an interview with media at a cafe featuring BTS goods in Seoul, South Korea, June 15, 2022. (Reuters)
Nini Lee, a South Korean fan of the K-pop boy band BTS poses for photographs with a BTS photo during an interview with media at a cafe featuring BTS goods in Seoul, South Korea, June 15, 2022. (Reuters)
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K-Pop’s BTS May Still Be Able to Perform While Doing Military Service, Says Minister

Nini Lee, a South Korean fan of the K-pop boy band BTS poses for photographs with a BTS photo during an interview with media at a cafe featuring BTS goods in Seoul, South Korea, June 15, 2022. (Reuters)
Nini Lee, a South Korean fan of the K-pop boy band BTS poses for photographs with a BTS photo during an interview with media at a cafe featuring BTS goods in Seoul, South Korea, June 15, 2022. (Reuters)

K-pop boy band BTS might still be able to perform overseas while serving in the military, South Korea's defense minister said on Monday, as the country debates shortening mandatory military service for K-pop stars to three weeks from about two years.

The issue is coming sharply into focus with the oldest member of band, Jin, turning 30 next year. Under a 2019 revision of the law, globally recognized K-pop stars were allowed to put off their service until 30.

Military service is hugely controversial in South Korea where all able-bodied men aged between 18 and 28 must fulfil their duties as part of efforts to defend against nuclear-armed North Korea.

Over the years, some categories have won exemptions - either allowed to put off service or to do shorter service - including Olympics and Asian Games medal winners and classical musicians and dancers who win top prizes at certain competitions.

Parliament is now debating a bill that would shorten military service for K-pop stars.

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup, speaking at the parliamentary session, said that by allowing BTS to continue performing, the military could serve national interests without affecting the already shrinking pool of personnel resources due to low birth rates.

BTS' management, Big Hit, did not respond to a request for comment.

"Even if they join the military, there would be a way to give them a chance to practice and perform together if there are scheduled concerts abroad," Lee said.

"As many people highly value (artists serving) in the military, that may help boost their popularity even more."

The seven-member band announced a break in June from group musical activities to pursue solo projects, pleading exhaustion.

In April, a Big Hit official said some members were having a "hard time" because of uncertainties over the parliament debate, calling for a decision.

Since their 2013 debut, BTS have become a worldwide sensation with their upbeat hits and social campaigns aimed at empowering youth.

BTS became the first Asian band to win artist of the year at the American Music Awards last year, and they met US President Joe Biden at the White House in May to discuss hate crimes targeting Asians.

A South Korean think tank estimated in 2018 that BTS would bring an economic benefit totaling 56 trillion won ($43 billion) between 2014 and 2023.

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Lebanon Mourns Iconic Composer Ziad Rahbani as Mother Fairouz Makes Rare Appearance

A mourner holds up a rose and a portrait of renowned Lebanese musician and composer Ziad Rahbani as crowds gathered outside Khoury Hospital in Beirut's central Hamra district to bid him farewell before his funeral procession on July 28, 2025. (AFP)
A mourner holds up a rose and a portrait of renowned Lebanese musician and composer Ziad Rahbani as crowds gathered outside Khoury Hospital in Beirut's central Hamra district to bid him farewell before his funeral procession on July 28, 2025. (AFP)
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Lebanon Mourns Iconic Composer Ziad Rahbani as Mother Fairouz Makes Rare Appearance

A mourner holds up a rose and a portrait of renowned Lebanese musician and composer Ziad Rahbani as crowds gathered outside Khoury Hospital in Beirut's central Hamra district to bid him farewell before his funeral procession on July 28, 2025. (AFP)
A mourner holds up a rose and a portrait of renowned Lebanese musician and composer Ziad Rahbani as crowds gathered outside Khoury Hospital in Beirut's central Hamra district to bid him farewell before his funeral procession on July 28, 2025. (AFP)

Hundreds of people in Lebanon paid tribute Monday to iconic composer, pianist and playwright Ziad Rahbani, who died over the weekend. His mother, Fairouz, a Lebanese icon and one of the Arab world's most esteemed singers, made a rare public appearance.

Rahbani, also known as a political provocateur, died Saturday at age 69. The cause of death was not immediately known.

His passing shocked much of the Arab world, which appreciated his satire, unapologetic political critique and avante-garde, jazz-inspired compositions that mirrored the chaos and contradictions of Lebanon throughout its civil war from 1975 until 1990. He also composed some of his mother's most famous songs.

Lebanon's iconic singer Fairouz receives condolences during the funeral of her son, musician and composer Ziad Rahbani, at a church in Bikfaya town in the Metn District region of Mount Lebanon, Lebanon, on July 28, 2025. (AFP)

The Rahbani family was a cornerstone in Lebanon's golden era of music theater that today is steeped in idealism and nostalgia in a troubled country.

Top Lebanese political officials and artists paid tribute after the death was announced. Rahbani, a leftist Greek Orthodox, often mocked Lebanon’s sectarian divisions in his work.

Hundreds of people holding roses and photos gathered by Khoury Hospital near Beirut's busy Hamra district, solemnly singing some of his most famous songs and applauding as a vehicle carrying his body left its garage.

Reem Haidar, who grew up during the civil war, said Rahbani’s songs and their messages were what she and others associated with at a time when there was “no nation to belong to.”

The vehicle made its way to a church in the mountainous town of Bikfaya before burial in the family cemetery.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam (R) stands nearby the coffin of late Lebanese composer and musician Ziad Rahbani during his funeral at a church in Bikfaya town in the Metn District region of Mount Lebanon, Lebanon, 28 July 2025. (EPA)

Fairouz, 90, had spent many years away from the public eye. Wearing black sunglasses and a black veil, she greeted visitors who came to pay respects. She had not been seen publicly since photos surfaced of her meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited her residence in 2020 to award her France's highest medal of honor.

In recent years, Rahbani also appeared less in the public eye, yet his influence never waned. Younger generations rediscovered his plays online and sampled his music in protest movements. He continued to compose and write, speaking often of his frustration with Lebanon’s political stagnation and decaying public life.

Rahbani is survived by his mother and his sister Reema and brother Hali.