Want to find out why K-pop idols go to the military?
Here’s why!
Quick Summary
- K-pop idols go to the military because all Korean men must serve in the army by law.
- Idols who fulfill their military obligations gain public respect and support.
- Draft dodging leads to severe backlash and can end careers in South Korea.
In South Korea, mandatory military service is a duty that all able-bodied men must fulfill.
This includes K-pop idols, despite their fame, money, and busy schedules.
K-Pop Idols Are Legally Required to Enlist.
South Korea requires all men between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve in the military for 18 to 21 months depending on the military branch.
This law is enforced to maintain a strong defense due to the ongoing tensions with North Korea.
No matter how safe it may feel in the country, South Korea is still technically at war with the North, as the conflict ended in a ceasefire, not a peace treaty.
So, K-pop idols are not exempt, regardless of their popularity, wealth, and success.
Exemptions are rare and granted only for exceptional cases like Olympic athletes who win gold medals.
K-Pop Artists Gain Public Respect With Kkabanggwon.
Idols who fulfill their military obligations gain public respect and support.
While it can temporarily halt their momentum, many K-pop idols successfully resume their careers post-service, often with renewed public interest.
After completing military service, some celebrities get kkabanggwon in Korean, which means the “right to be protected from criticism or insults” as a type of shield.
This shield is usually given to celebrities who have gone to great lengths to enlist and serve the country.
For example:
- Ok Taec-yeon of 2PM gave up his permanent residency (Green Card) in the States and underwent herniated disc surgery twice to enlist in the military. Koreans started calling him “Captain Korea” out of respect.
- Hyun Bin completed his service in the Marine Corps, which is known for harder training.
- BTS will probably get kkabanggwon as every member will complete their military service despite their global fame. No one has dodged it!
Otherwise, It’s a Potential End of Career for Korean Celebrities.
On the other hand, attempts to draft dodge lead to severe backlash and ruined reputations.
For example:
- Steve Yoo (Yoo Seung-jun) was banned from entering South Korea for two decades after dodging the draft. He had promised to enlist but then traveled to the United States to renounce his Korean nationality in order to avoid military service. When he returned to Korea, he was denied entry at the airport. This effectively ended his career in South Korea, and he still can’t return to the country.
- MC Mong faced severe public criticism and a career downturn after he attempted to avoid military service by intentionally removing 12 teeth, which he claimed was for medical reasons. His actions led to a public outrage, damaging his reputation and resulting in a significant career setback. Despite his efforts to make a comeback, the incident continued to haunt him.
We don’t see these two on Korean TV anymore.
When Do They Usually Enlist in South Korea?
Most Korean men prefer to join the army when they’re 19 to 21 years old, usually after spending one or two years in college.
This is because age tends to determine social ranking in Korea. But in the military, rank is based on enlistment order. As in, those who join earlier will outrank and be respected by those who enlist later, even if they are younger.
Addressing dongsaeng with honorifics feels awkward to Koreans and it almost hurts the ego.
That’s why many prefer to enlist as early as possible.
When Koreans pursue academics, such as obtaining a master’s or PhD, they postpone their enlistment until they complete their studies or reach the maximum deferment age allowed by law.
For K-pop idols, they usually delay until they’re in their late twenties to maximize their career.
K-pop idols serve in the military due to legal requirements, societal expectations, and the need to continue their careers in Korea.
Their service ultimately contributes to their personal growth and public image.
