K-pop law allows BTS stars to delay military duty

Fans of South Korean boyband BTS have reason to celebrate. The country’s parliament has passed now passed a law to allow globally recognized K-pop artists to postpone their mandatory military service to age 30.

It's an amendment to the South Korea's Military Service Act.

The act requires able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 28 to serve in the military for about two years as part of the country's efforts to guard against North Korea.

But the new amendment that effects BTS is designed to provide exceptions for K-pop megastars who improve the country's cultural status and boost the economy.

BTS’s oldest member is 27-year-old Jin who would have been closest to enlistment, but this amendment means he can go on making music with the band for some time to come.

However, he and other band members have previously said they would fulfil their duties as required.

There had been notable exceptions to the rule in the past. For example, athletes an become eligible for exemption for winning Olympic medals or a gold at the Asian games -- such as South Korea soccer captain Son Heung-min, who also plays for Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur.

However, another K-pop star Psy, famous for his ‘Gangnam Style’ hit previously served two stints in the South Korean military.