BTS: From singers to soldiers

What in the World

• Episode: BTS: From singers to soldiers
• Website: What in the World
• Feed URL: https://podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/w13xtvrv.rss
• Duration: 00:15:44
• Published: 2023-12-15 15:27

All members of BTS are now in the South Korean military. This week, lead vocalist Jung Kook joined the rest of the group to enlist - a requirement of all able-bodied South Korean men aged 18-28.

There have been exemptions given to Olympic medallists and classical musicians but not for the BTS boys - although they were allowed to defer their service until the age of 30.

The BBC’s Frances Mao explains what their service will involve and when we can expect them to return. And Alex from the What in the World team runs us through some other celebs that have served in their country's army.

Also, we’re going to take a look at football violence in Turkey after a referee got punched in the face by an owner of one of the teams. We speak to Victoria Craig, a BBC reporter in Ankara. How linked are football and politics in Turkey?

Email: [email protected] WhatsApp: +44 0330 12 33 22 6 Presenters: Hannah Gelbart Producers: Emily Horler and Alex Rhodes Editor: William Lee Adams and Simon Peeks