”Le Sserafim” had a good debut, but there were unfortunate turn of events. (Image: Jiji Press) The ripple effect is still happening. The popular South Korean group BTS has suspended its activities. The stock price of their agency, HYBE, dropped 27% at one point. The market capitalization fell by 2 trillion won (approx. 200 billion yen), and the uproar was caused by the reports of the activity suspension. On June 22, Lee Ja Yeon of the Korea Singers Association appealed to BTS to reconsider their decision.   “I have a strong fear that the ‘Hallyu wave’ which has become a worldwide trend, may be coming to an end. There is concern that the tailwind to the Korean entertainment industry will be cut off. I hope they will reconsider changing their decision about the suspension of their activities.” The shock is spreading to the Korean political world as well. One of the possible reasons for the suspension is military service. Under current law, one of the members, JIN, must enlist this year due to age restrictions. “There are growing calls, especially from the ruling party “Power of the People,” that the law should be amended to exempt entertainers who have made significant achievements from military service. If BTS were to suspend its activities because of the enlistment of its members, it would be a great loss to the Korean economy” she said. Olympic athletes and top performers in international art competitions are exempt from military service, but entertainers are not. Music video has been viewed 64 million times