The South Korean government granted BTS a complete exemption from mandatory military service due to their unprecedented contributions to the country's economy and global cultural influence

The claim that the South Korean government granted BTS a complete exemption from mandatory military service due to their contributions to the country's economy and global cultural influence is false. According to multiple sources, including the Associated Press, all seven members of BTS are currently fulfilling their mandatory military service. The first member, Jin, began his service in December 2022, and other members have followed suit, with plans to reunite as a group in 2025 after completing their service. South Korean law mandates that most able-bodied men must perform 18-21 months of military service, with special exemptions granted only to athletes and classical artists who excel in certain international competitions tied to national prestige. These exemptions have not been extended to K-pop singers, including BTS, despite public debate and political arguments in favor of such exemptions. Therefore, the claim of a complete exemption for BTS is not supported by verified information AP News.