[ti:BTS K-pop Member Jin Begins Military Service] [by:www.51voa.com] [00:00.00]更多听力请访问51VOA.COM [00:01.24]With a newly shaved head, Jin, [00:05.80]the oldest member of the Korean pop group BTS, [00:11.56]began his 18 months of required military service on Tuesday. [00:20.80]Jin turned 30 earlier this month. [00:25.76]He begins five weeks of basic training at a camp [00:31.40]about 45 kilometers from the border with North Korea. [00:39.20]The training includes gun shooting, [00:42.84]grenade throwing, and marching. [00:47.92]A group of 20 to 30 fans, some holding Jin's photos, [00:55.64]and reporters gathered in the cold, [00:59.96]snowy weather to see Jin enter the camp. [01:05.80]A security force of about 300 police, military, [01:12.60]and fire officials was there to provide security. [01:19.52]"He is so skinny," said Mandy Lee, [01:24.00]a 30-year-old fan from Hong Kong. [01:28.72]"I want him to eat more and stay healthy and safe." [01:34.76]The BTS official Twitter account later posted images [01:41.92]showing Jin with other members, likely at the camp, [01:47.52]with a message saying: "Our bro!! Have a safe service!! Love you." [01:56.60]One image showed members touching Jin's shaved head. [02:03.20]Under South Korean law, most able-bodied men [02:08.68]are required to perform 18 to 21 months of military service. [02:16.76]The law exempts athletes, classical and traditional musicians, [02:24.72]and dancers who performed well in international competitions. [02:32.00]But K-pop stars do not receive exemptions, [02:37.28]even if they are famous worldwide. [02:42.08]"Those in the pop culture sector experience [02:46.88]a little bit of disadvantages and unfairness, [02:52.24]compared with those in the pure art sector or athletes," [02:58.40]Jung Duk-hyun, a pop culture commentator, said. [03:03.80]Chun In-bum is a retired general [03:07.28]who once commanded South Korea's special forces. [03:13.52]Chun said the government must stop exemptions. [03:19.08]He said the decreasing number of people in the military [03:24.04]is "a very serious" problem caused by the country's low birth rate. [03:32.36]BTS was formed in 2013 and has a huge number of supporters [03:40.76]around the world who call themselves the "Army". [03:47.56]The band has performed in sold-out arenas around the world. [03:55.08]Six younger members of BTS [03:58.92]are to join the military in the coming years. [04:05.12]That could mean that the group activities [04:08.92]will likely be limited for a few years. [04:14.80]In August, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup [04:20.12]said BTS members who are serving in the military [04:24.92]would likely be permitted to continue practicing. [04:32.12]He added they could also join other [04:35.92]non-serving BTS members in performances. [04:42.52]Cha Woo-jin, a K-pop commentator, said it is unclear [04:49.80]if BTS would enjoy the same popularity [04:55.40]after finishing their military requirements in a few years. [05:03.48]I'm Andrew Smith. 更多听力请访问51VOA.COM