BTS’s Jin enlists: What to know about S. Korea’s mandatory military service

The image of a usually glammed-up K-pop star shaving his head to enter the military may seem like the opening scene for a K-drama. But it became reality this week when Jin, a member of the ultra-popular K-pop group BTS, unveiled his buzz cut before heading to boot camp on Tuesday to start his mandatory service in South Korea’s army.

The country’s practice of compulsory military service has gained attention in recent months since the announcement in October that the members of BTS would fulfill their military obligations. The group announced in June that it would go on hiatus, as the possibility of conscription loomed.

Here’s what to know about South Korea’s mandatory military service.

Who has to serve in South Korea’s military? All able-bodied South Korean men are required to enlist in the military by age 28.

How long does South Korea’s military service last? Those who are required to serve in the military must do so for at least 18 months

What is South Korea’s military service like? Although it can vary widely by branch, military service has become a somewhat universal experience for men in South Korea. Many men choose to enlist after their first year of undergraduate studies, though those who enlist after completing college can enroll as an officer, a higher rank than many of their younger counterparts.

Why is South Korea’s mandatory service controversial? There are outstanding controversies about South Korea’s military service concerning its duration and mandatory nature. In addition to complaints over hazing and harsh treatment, some South Korean men have said that mandatory conscription puts them at an economic disadvantage compared with their female counterparts, whose education and careers don’t experience an 18-month interruption.

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