Military service break no longer a setback for K-pop artists

Today, June 25th marks the 75th year since the outbreak of the Korean War.

And since the war ended in an armistice, finishing military service is a mandatory thing for Korean men, right Kun-woo?

That's true.

As a Korean citizen myself, I also finished my service as a KATUSA, serving as a soldier at Camp Humphreys, cooperating with U.S. troops.

Thinking of this, it's not just me who has done such service, but also K-pop boy group members.

Since going to the military means nearly 2 years off stage for them, there have been concerns about a career end.

But I witnessed a little change in that perception, so follow me and see how it has been changing.

"Welcome Back."

Fans say it with sincerity after a long wait for their favorite K-pop idols to finish their military service.

Those two words have never felt more powerful than this June, the month when BTS finally became whole again, with SUGA being the last member to officially complete his military duty.

"Military service is very demanding, so they need to take a little break, but we're looking forward to the comeback, their new potential concepts, their new music. We're just happy that they're back together."

Fans from around the world had been preparing for this moment, some even from the year before.

On this day, it was easy to find global fans from regions, including Southeast Asia, and North and South America, celebrating the return of their favorite stars.

That was especially visible at fan cafes, where fans transform regular cafes into customized spaces for special events, like being discharged from the military.

"At first glance, this may look like an ordinary cafe. But take a closer look and you'll find all kinds of decorations celebrating the discharge of BTS members from the military, from photo displays to fan letters and even custom-made merchandise. There was a time when military service meant two years of silence with less interaction with fans, but these days, fans have found ways to stay connected."

Fans say they managed the wait, thanks, ironically, to the abundance of content released when the artists were away.

"They were prepared before they went into the military. At least they had some content for all of the ARMY to consume while they were away, so I'm sure they really thought of us."

One expert says the military service break used to be seen as a major obstacle to idol careers, but not anymore.

"Unlike now, in the past, idol groups typically lasted only a few years, and very few made it past seven. That meant going to the military during their peak, often ended their career and fandom. But K-pop's global expansion is also another factor as international fans tend to stay loyal, regardless of age, giving artists greater longevity."

He added that in the case of BTS, the group's decision to enlist one by one was a smart strategy, helping maintain the group's brand, even while some members were away.

As public perception toward military service breaks has shifted, the time away is no longer seen as a full stop, but merely a comma before a brand new chapter begins.

Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.