Remember what GOT7’s BamBam’s military discharge was like, which generated huge celebrations inside and outside Thailand
For years, K-pop fans have also worried about their favorite male idols’ military enlistment. This is because, in South Korea, all men between 18 and 28 years old must perform mandatory military service, with a minimum duration of 18 months.
The rule, however, only applies to men born in South Korea, and does not apply to foreign idols, who must follow their country’s enlistment laws. In Thailand, for example, young people find out whether they will serve in the army through a lottery.
Thai military enlistment
This is because, according to information shared by UOL, the law created in 1954 says that all men need to enlist at the age of 17, but will only serve in the army at the age of 21. At this age, in the month of April, young people participate in a draw, where those who draw a black paper are dismissed, while those who draw the red paper must serve for two years. Every year, around 100 thousand boys are recruited.
The situation, however, always has repercussions on social media, as the draw is done in front of countless people, and always generates curious moments, including energetic celebrations with the dismissal, or strong regrets with the obligation of service, where some even go as far as even fainting.
When the draw features the presence of a celebrity, attention to the choice becomes even greater — and that’s what happened with BamBamfrom GOT7, for example. In 2018, it was the year in which the idol needed to hold the draw, mobilizing fans from all over the world.
Due to its popularity inside and outside the country, the entire process was followed by national and international media, even counting on the presence of countless fans at the draw location.
On the day, the idol had to wait for hours, but ended up exempt not because he took out the black paper, but for another unusual reason: most of the vacancies were filled by volunteers, meaning that the draw for more boys was not necessary.
When the military revealed the information, everyone present at the scene, including dozens of GOT7 fans, celebrated the exemption, with screams worthy of a party or musical show. Check out the moment from 5:18 onwards!
Source: Recreio
