Top Fourth-Gen Group Embroiled In Controversy After Fans Ask President For Military Exemption

When BTS were set to enlist for the military, there was a wave of debates about the members being exempt, and once they were confirmed to go, the topic of exemption continued to make waves.

BTS Military Duty Debate Sparks Again After Gamers Are Granted Exemption

Recently, comments about Stray Kids’ future enlistment from fans has sparked controversy for the group.

Recently, Stray Kids performed in Mexico, and President Lee Jae Myung shared a video of the performance on his X.

<#스테이 와 함께>
한-멕 정상회담을 기념하는 #스트레이키즈 멕시코시티 공연실황..
문화강국 대한민국을 세계에 알리는 K-pop의 위대한 힘이 느껴집니다.
대중문화위원회 #박진영 위원장이 준비해 주셨습니다. pic.twitter.com/qFrZtRqxeD

— 이재명 (@Jaemyung_Lee) September 26, 2026

In the comments, with the President’s appreciation of the group, many fans were asking for military exemption for the members who have to complete their service in the future.

military exemption 주세요

— lei 🩵 (@leeminoot) September 26, 2026

군…면..제 크흠

— 한똔개(뽁뽀기🐤🫶 (@stay09144) September 26, 2026

Military exemption ahem

이정도면 스테이가 맞으심
군..면제…큼

— 만두땨 (@sooastayy) September 26, 2026

At this point, you really must be a STAY.
Mil… military exemption… ahem.

크흠.. 군면제… 군… 면제.. 군..군..면제..!!!!

— 땨.. (@ahhhyoo0922) September 26, 2026

Ahem… military exemption… mil… exemption… MILITARY… EXEMPTION!!!!

Yet, these tweets were shared on Nate Pann, and sparked a lot of anger among netizens, especially due to the past issues with BTS. It also led to criticism towards Stray Kids, who netizens implied were not popular enough for exemption, especially when BTS had to serve.

• When it comes to the K-pop military service issue, BTS already settled the matter. If BTS served active duty, then who the hell could possibly get an exemption? I actually liked that BTS served active duty, and V looked cool in the black tactical uniform with the Special Forces.”
• “If BTS sunbaenims went, then everyone should go.”
• “If they start making exceptions like this after BTS, it’s going to be a disaster.”
• “BTS were famous enough that basically everyone in Korea had at least heard of the group name, but who even are these guys?”
• “Are they out of their fucking minds?”

BTS