Earlier this month, persistent rumors circulated alleging that the five members of the South Korean boy band, BigBang, will join the military. The talent agency managing the group, YG Entertainment, has made some clarifications to the public.
The rumors were first circulated by Korean language news websites and entertainment blogsites, and as translated by DramaFever, all the other younger members of the group decided to enlist in the military by next year. This is to support the oldest member T.O.P. who is required by law to enlist by next year.
In response to the rumors, YG Entertainment has clarified the issue, and according to the agency, no discussion or agreement has transpired among the five members regarding a decision to simultaneously enlist in the military.
The oldest member of the group is still required by law to enlist in the military by next year because he will reach the mandatory age range of enlistment. Conscription is typically random or by lottery, but all those who are between 18 and 35 years of age are required to enlist with a few exceptions.
The fans of the group are still unsure about the possible steps that the other band members and the agency will take.
G-Dragon was quoted by The Washington Post as saying during the M.A.D.E. tour in Tokyo in March, wherein he said "If we're going to talk about that, we'll feel sad. We are Korean, so we have to go someday, but I don't know when it's going to be. Until then, we'll just try hard to do what we've got to do."
Many of the fans are hoping that all the band members would enlist because this would significantly shorten their absence from showbiz.
For reference, Male South Korean citizens are required to enlist in the military under the Conscription Law. Those who are between the age of 18 and 35 years old are mandated to render military service for at least 21 months.
Fans of K-pop and K-drama typically mourn their favorite actors or boy band members who take a leave of absence from show business because of military duty.
Watch BigBang's "Lies" MV below: