All BTS members enlisted late last year and are currently serving in the military as active duty sol∂ιєrs. Even though fans cannot meet the members regularly, they are very proud of the fact that they are fulfilling their civic duty.

However, recently, some news about local authorities trying to "summon" members who are performing military service for promotional events has made fans feel angry. Many comments and mixed opinions quickly spread on social networks after this news was revealed.

This is not the first time BTS members have been called upon to participate in local or national promotional events despite having enlisted in the army. Here's what's going on around this incident:

As of December 12, 2023, all BTS members have enlisted for mandatory service. After going through basic training courses, currently, 7 BTS members have been transferred to the official military service unit and are completing their 18 months of mandatory military service.

Everything seemed to be going normally until all the members were demobilized, but no, some υиєχρє¢тє∂ events happened that became a hot topic of discussion on SNS. However, given the group's popularity, fame, and respect in not just the music industry but South кσяєα in general, there have been invites where the members are requested to attend certain events organized by the local government.

On Monday, February 19, Gangwon Provincial Daily published an article stating that BTS members are being invited to several events by local authorities to promote the area. In particular, Chuncheon city recently discussed internally a plan to invite BTS members to the first home match of the Gangwon FC scheduled to take place on the 2nd of next month. The reason for this is because BTS's influence cannot be ignored. Known locations such as Gangneung, Samcheok, Chuncheon.... have long become "familiar locations" for fans.

One thing worth noting is that out of the 7 members of BTS, 3 are serving as sol∂ιєrs in Gangwon province. V is on duty at the 2nd Army Corps, RM is on duty at the 15th Hwacheon Infantry Division, and another member, j-hope, is also working as a teaching αѕѕistant at the 36th Division Recruit Education Center. According to Gangwon Provincial Daily, an official of Chuncheon City noted: "We have sent an official letter to the 2nd Corps asking for cooperation in allowing sol∂ιєrs to watch Gangwon FC games, not limiting it to BTS members. Since BTS is so popular, we have discussed related organizations what it would be like to invite them to Gangwon FC games."

However, this plan quickly received mixed reactions from not only the management company, the military, but also fans, even though they may have the opportunity to meet the 3 BTS members for the first time since enlisting. Reportedly, both military officials at the unit where the members are enlisting and the group's management company stated that although they are famous artists, they should perform mandatory military service like like my teammates.

Through a phone interview, the representative of 2nd Corps shared his stance: "There is no plan for them to go anywhere under the current circumstances because the member's stance, as well as the agency's, is 'I will be faithful to my national defense duties'. So for the future, there may be no plans for BTS members to join these events. Although the members are idols, they are also sol∂ιєrs and also have a stance from the management company, so even the military cannot force them. I believe the most important thing is the members' will."

The issue of inviting BTS members to relevant local events arose last year. In j-hope's case, the plan for j-hope to take on the role of MC in the final round of the international military cooking competition last year was promoted but Minister of Defense Shin Won-Sik prevented this. He explained, during his appearance at the National Assembly Budget and Budget Committee last year: "It is better and natural for BTS to serve hard like other warriors, so I instructed them not to αѕѕign celebrity sol∂ιєrs to do anything other than their duties."

Fans also shared angry reactions after learning that local agencies were intervening and taking advantage of the BTS members' military enlistment process:

- Please don't use BTS to cover yourselves up!

- SHAMELESS!!! ONLY WORD TO DESCRIBE THAT GOVT.

- why won't they just invite their supposed "next BTS"?

- Shameless, desparate, pathetic. Weren't you the ones who couldn't decide to give exemption to you national prestige? N now ur begging them. Keep begging I hope the m̷i̷l̷i̷t̷a̷r̷y̷ doesn't agree.

- The ridiculousness of this omg. I wouldn’t get mad if they said no I’m good

- To even think that they can always leech off of the members, shameless

- Leave my boys alone mfs let them complete their service in peace you ungrateful country

- Again with their m̴i̴l̴i̴t̴a̴r̴y̴ propoganda. tannies are really thoughtful to include this as clause

- FCKING LEECHES‼️ Don’t use them for personal gain when they clearly just want to serve in the m̴i̴l̴i̴t̴a̴r̴y̴… If you dare use them, I’ll end y’all 

- the wording "using BTS" makes me sick.. regardless of which side and to what purpose, the boys have their own rights.. when it comes to cooking, Seokjin actually fits better as MC but it was Hobi that was requested, I could think of a few reasons why! just leave them be!