- By Srishti Pandey
- Mon, 05 Feb 2024 11:13 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
BTS At Grammys: The 66th Grammys recently took place, with music veterans grabbing awards and fresh talents gracing the stage. Yet, the déjà vu of disappointment looms as BTS, the K-pop powerhouse, faced Grammy snubs despite their global success and record-breaking releases in 2023. As the ARMY expresses its understandable disappointment, a lingering question arises – could a Grammy win have impacted BTS's mandatory military service?
BTS, comprising V, Jin, Jungkook, Suga, J-Hope, RM, and Jimin, has garnered five Grammy nominations to date. However, they faced snubs on both occasions, leaving fans with mixed feelings amid the Grammys' fanfare. The red carpet showcased the septet's flair for turning tuxedos into a playground of fun, offering a glimpse of their charismatic personalities.
Notice how nobody cares about the Best Pop Duo/Group category at the grammys this year after it being the most talked category for 3 years ? 😵💫 oh bts you will always be the main event
— dee the astronaut (@zonequal) February 4, 2024
Currently, with some members serving in the military and the group on a temporary hiatus, speculation has emerged about the potential impact of a Grammy win on their mandatory service. In 2022, a viral tweet captured the members expressing their desire to win, sparking discussions among K-netizens about possible exemptions in South Korea's military enrollment criteria.
What if grammys awards is the evaluation for military service remember what they said pic.twitter.com/Gu0Dj7WJ6i
— Pia Choi (@piamarieabreu) March 15, 2022
According to the Korea Herald, South Korean law mandates around two years of military service for all able-bodied men. Exemptions are typically granted to international award-winning athletes and classical musicians. Calls from the BTS fandom suggest extending such exemptions to a broader range of artists, including those in the entertainment industry.
BTS makes history and performs at the Grammys, 2022.pic.twitter.com/988ypMHkc7
— About Music (@AboutMusicYT) February 4, 2024
Notable cases of exemption in South Korea include pianist Cho Seong Jjin, who avoided service after winning the International Piano Competition in 2009, and footballer Son Heung Min and his teammates, exempted after securing gold in the Asian Games against Japan. While victories at the Asian Games or major government awards can lead to exemptions, it's crucial to note that, to date, no Korean pop star has been excused solely for their achievements in the entertainment industry.
The Grammys hold particular importance in Asian countries, where only a handful of artists secure nominations or attendance. In 2022, the ceremony saw record viewership, thanks to the massive fandom of K-pop superstars. However, there is no established rulebook mentioning exemptions after winning this award. Though the law was modified, recognizing BTS's cultural significance, all members, including Jin, Jimin, Jungkook, Suga, V, RM, and J-Hope, have publicly expressed their determination to fulfil their military service obligations.
the mfs at the grammys didn’t deserve this performance, i hope bts never step foot there again pic.twitter.com/QAuHWeuoH4
— r ⁷ 🦝 missing yoongi (@smokespriterose) February 5, 2024
Amid Grammy celebrations and the disappointment of BTS's snubs, the question of military service exemption remains unanswered. As the global phenomenon continues to navigate their careers, the ARMY stands by, eagerly awaiting the next chapter in BTS's journey.
