BTS’ J-Hope cannot get special treatment to host military cooking show, South Korea says

A decision on allowing J-Hope to host the fourth edition of the international military cooking competition and making a video featuring other stars of the seven-member band to promote the contest was almost finalised.

But Defence Minister Shin Won-sik said he cancelled the plans following a review.

“I think that it is only right that [a person] carries out the military duties just like any other soldier, regardless of being BTS,” Shin told lawmakers on Tuesday. “I gave orders not to assign duties that fall outside their [military] positions to soldiers who were celebrities before joining the military.”

The cooking competition, which celebrates culinary talent among the South Korean, US and Singaporean militaries, is currently being held in Seoul.

J-Hope, who began his mandatory military service in April, serves as an assistant instructor at the 36th Infantry Division’s recruit training centre, The Korea Herald reported.

Last year, Jin became the first BTS member to enlist, while Suga is also undergoing conscription as a social service agent due to his shoulder injury.

The other four members – RM, Jimin, Jungkook and V – are pursuing solo endeavours, and the band plans to reunite in 2025.

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K-pop fans weigh in as BTS member Jin begins military service

K-pop fans weigh in as BTS member Jin begins military service

All able-bodied South Korean men under the age of 30 must perform about two years of military service, mainly because the country remains technically at war with nuclear-armed North Korea.

BTS is credited with generating billions for the South Korean economy, and has triggered years-long debate in the country over whether the artists should be exempted from military service.

The current law allows global award-winning athletes and classical musicians recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to be spared from active military duty.