BTS J-hope Begins Military Enlistment Process.
J-hope Begins Military Service.
Script:
South Korean K-pop band BTS has made headlines once again, as a second member begins the mandatory military service. This marks a significant step for the group, as they became the first K-pop band to be nominated for a Grammy Award. The news was confirmed on Monday by a management official of the band.Jin, the oldest member of the group, began his service in December after delaying it as long as possible. Last year, all BTS members announced that they would be joining the military, starting with Jin, who turned 30. Now, the second member, 29-year-old j-hope, whose real name is Jung Ho-seok, has applied to end postponement of his own enlistment.In an official statement released by BigHit Music, the management company of the band, they said, “We would like to inform our fans that j-hope has initiated the military enlistment process. We ask you for your continued love and support for j-hope until he completes his military service and safely returns.”
All able-bodied South Korean men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve in the military for about two years. However, a 2019 legislative revision allowed globally acknowledged K-pop stars to delay their service until they are 30. Despite some lawmakers pushing to reduce their service requirements, no significant progress has been made on this front.In a separate statement, BigHit announced that j-hope would be releasing a solo single titled “on the street” on Friday. The song was written by j-hope as a “gift” for fans to share his feelings towards them.
"the seven-member group announced a break from group musical activities"
Despite the group's military enlistment, BTS members could perform overseas while serving, as stated by South Korea’s defense minister. Many artists have been designated as "entertainment soldiers." In June, the seven-member group announced a break from group musical activities and have since pursued solo projects.This news marks an important moment for BTS fans, who will undoubtedly continue to show their support for the group throughout their military service.
Questions:
Part 1: Comprehension
Read and summarize the article thinking of who, what, when, where & why.
Part 2: True or False Questions
a) True or False - BTS is the first K-pop band to be nominated for a Grammy Award. T/F
b) True or False - All BTS members have announced that they will be joining the military. T/F
c) True or False - J-hope's solo single titled "on the street" was written by someone else. T/F
d) True or False - BTS members are not allowed to perform overseas while serving in the military. T/F
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary/phrases.
a) "Mandatory"
b) "Postponement"
c) "Solo"
d) "Legislative"
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use - Write an example sentence using the words from 3a.
a) Mandatory:
b) Postponement:
c) Solo:
d) Legislative:
Part 5: Talking Points
Part 6: Role play Scenarios
One student plays the role of a journalist interviewing a fan of BTS about their reaction to j-hope's military enlistment. The fan could express their feelings about the news and how they plan to continue supporting the group during their military service.
Students can roleplay as the BTS members discussing the military service and how they feel about it. They could talk about their reasons for joining, how they plan to continue their music career during their service, and how they will stay connected with their fans.
In pairs roleplay a concerned parent discussing the negative impact that Kpop music is having on their teenage daughters life. Discuss things like fashion, makeup, cost of following Kpop stars, and time spent listening to their music.
Part 7: Writing Activity
Compare and Contrast - How is K-pop similar and how is it different from pop music/culture in your country?
Part 8: Critical Thinking - Mandatory or voluntary military service?
Do you think military service should be mandatory or voluntary in Korea for pop stars and sports men?
Team A believes that it should be mandatory, and team B believes it should be voluntary.
Come back as a class and reach a consensus.
Answers:
Part 1: Comprehension
The main idea of the article is that the second member of the South Korean K-pop band BTS, j-hope, has initiated the mandatory military enlistment process, following the first member Jin who began his service in December. The article discusses the significance of this step for the group and their fans, as well as the requirements for military service in South Korea and the possibility for BTS members to continue performing overseas while serving. The article also mentions j-hope's upcoming solo single release and the support of the band's management company for their members during their military service. The article was likely written to inform BTS fans and the wider public about the news and its implications for the group's future activities.
Part 2: True or False
A: True B: True C: False D: False
Part 3a: Guess the meaning of unknown vocabulary or phrases.
A) "Mandatory" Answer: This word means something is required or compulsory, and you must do it because in the article they talk about how all BTS must do 2 years military service in Korea.
b) "Postponement" Answer: This is the action of delaying something until a later time; the state of being postponed. The article mentions that j-hope had applied to end postponement of his own enlistment, indicating that he was delaying his military service.
c) "Solo" Answer: This is a performance or piece of music played or sung by a single performer, especially one that is unaccompanied. In the context of this article the reporter states that j-hope is releasing a solo single titled “on the street” on Friday.
d) "Legislative" Answer: This refers to the making of laws. In the context of the article the reporter mentions a 2019 legislative revision that allowed globally acknowledged K-pop stars to delay their military service until they are 30.
Part 3b: Vocabulary in Use - Write an example sentence using the words from 3a. (examples)
a) Mandatory: Wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle is mandatory in many places to ensure safety.
b) Postponement: The postponement of the concert disappointed many eager fans.
c) Solo: I really like Jenny from Blackpink latest solo.
d) Legislative: The legislative branch of the government is responsible for making and passing laws.
Part 7: Writing (example)
K-pop and American pop music have some similarities and differences. Both have catchy songs, music videos, and dedicated fans. But K-pop includes various musical styles and languages, uses larger groups, and emphasizes synchronized dancing. American pop music is more diverse in themes and allows for individual creativity. The cultural and language distinctions also shape their music's messages. So, while they share some things, K-pop's mix of styles, focus on visuals, and global appeal make it unique compared to American pop.
