Military service may not prevent BTS from performing, the South Korean defence minister has said. Normally, all men in the country must serve in the military between the ages of 18 and 28, for about 20 months. In 2020, exceptions were made for BTS members to delay their service until they were 30. With the oldest member of the K-pop band, Jin, turning 30 next year, the issue has come into focus in South Korea. There is parliamentary debate in the country over shortening service to three weeks. And speaking about BTS, minister Lee Jong-sup said: “There would be a way to give them a chance to practice and perform together.” Military service is controversial in South Korea, as men must fulfil their duties as part of efforts to defend against nuclear-armed neighbour North Korea. Over the years, some men have won exemptions – either being allowed to put off service or do shorter service – including Olympics and Asian Games medal winners and classical musicians and dancers who win top prizes at certain competitions.(BBC)…[+]