BTS, the popular K-pop group, has asked their fans not to visit army camps when they begin their mandatory military service. The members of the band are concerned that fans could cause trouble for other soldiers and their families. In the past, large crowds have gathered for send-offs, which has become a nuisance. The band’s record label announced that four members, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, are expected to join the army next week. Three other members are already enrolled, with the oldest member, Jin, joining last year.

South Korea is still technically at war with North Korea, and all able-bodied men are required to fulfill the country’s mandatory conscription requirements. The band members understand the importance of their military service and want to ensure that it proceeds smoothly without any disruptions. They appreciate the support of their fans but ask that they show their support in other ways, rather than visiting the army camps.

BTS has a large and dedicated fan base, and their fans have shown immense support throughout their career. However, it is important for fans to respect the privacy and space of the band members during their military service. The band members want to focus on their duties as soldiers and not be distracted by fan gatherings at the army camps.

It is commendable that BTS is taking the initiative to address this issue and communicate their concerns to their fans. They understand the potential impact that fan gatherings can have on the overall environment at the army camps. By urging their fans to refrain from visiting the camps, BTS is demonstrating their maturity and responsibility as public figures.

Fans can continue to support BTS by respecting their wishes and finding other ways to show their love and appreciation. This could include sending messages of encouragement, participating in fan events organized by the band’s record label, or supporting their music and projects while they are serving in the military.

Original news source: BTS urge fans to not show up at army camps when their military service starts (BBC)

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Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a few minutes to read the article. Then, ask them to work together to summarize the main points of the article in a few sentences. Afterward, have each group share their summaries with the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Ask the students to form pairs or small groups. Have them discuss their opinions on whether or not fans should visit army camps during the mandatory military service of BTS members. After they have discussed their opinions, conduct a class-wide poll by having each group share their stance and tallying the number of supporters for each side. Finally, facilitate a class discussion where students can express their thoughts and reasons behind their opinions.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write a list of vocabulary words from the article on the board. Divide the class into teams and give each team a whiteboard or a sheet of paper. One member from each team will come to the front of the class and choose a word from the list without showing it to their team. They must then draw a picture to represent that word while their team tries to guess what it is. The team that guesses correctly earns a point. Repeat the process with different team members and words.

– Speed Summarizing
Instructions: Have the students pair up and designate one person in each pair as the speaker and the other as the listener. Give the speaker 1-2 minutes to summarize the article to their partner. After the time is up, the listener must then summarize what they heard from the speaker in 30 seconds or less. Switch roles, and repeat the process. Encourage students to focus on the main points and key details of the article.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Ask the students to think about what might happen in the future regarding fans visiting army camps during the mandatory military service of BTS members. In pairs or small groups, have them discuss and make predictions about the potential outcomes and consequences of fans visiting army camps. Afterward, have each group share their predictions with the class and facilitate a discussion around the possibilities and implications.

Comprehension Questions:

1. Why has BTS asked their fans not to visit army camps during their mandatory military service?
2. What has been a nuisance in the past when large crowds gather for send-offs?
3. Which members of BTS are expected to join the army next week?
4. Why is it important for fans to respect the privacy and space of the band members during their military service?
5. How are BTS demonstrating their maturity and responsibility as public figures?
6. How can fans continue to support BTS while they are serving in the military?
7. What are some other ways that fans can show their love and appreciation for BTS?
8. What is the current relationship between South Korea and North Korea?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

BTS, the popular K-pop group, has (1)______ their fans not to visit army camps when they begin their mandatory military service. The (2)______ of the band are concerned that fans could cause trouble for other soldiers and their families. In the past, large crowds have (3)______ for send-offs, which has become a (4)______. The band’s record label announced that four members, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, are expected to join the army next week. Three other members are already enrolled, with the oldest member, Jin, joining last year.

(5)______ Korea is still technically at war with North Korea, and all able-bodied men are (6)______ to fulfill the country’s mandatory conscription requirements. The band members understand the importance of their (7)______ service and want to ensure that it proceeds smoothly without any disruptions. They appreciate the support of their fans but ask that they show their support in other ways, rather than (8)______ the army camps.

BTS has a large and dedicated fan base, and their fans have shown immense (9)______ throughout their career. However, it is important for fans to respect the privacy and space of the band members during their military service. The band members want to (10)______ on their duties as soldiers and not be distracted by fan (11)______ at the army camps.

It is commendable that BTS is taking the initiative to address this issue and communicate their concerns to their fans. They understand the potential (12)______ that fan gatherings can have on the overall environment at the army camps. By urging their fans to (13)______ from visiting the camps, BTS is demonstrating their maturity and responsibility as public figures.

Fans can continue to support BTS by respecting their wishes and finding other ways to show their love and appreciation. This could include sending messages of encouragement, participating in fan events organized by the band’s (14)______ label, or supporting their (15)______ and (16)______ while they are serving in the military.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is the mandatory military service requirement in your country?
2. How do you think the presence of fans at army camps could be disruptive?
3. How would you feel if you were a member of BTS and fans were constantly visiting your army camp?
4. Do you think it’s important for fans to respect the privacy and space of celebrities during their military service? Why or why not?
5. Have you ever attended a fan gathering or event for a celebrity? How was your experience?
6. How do you think BTS could continue to feel supported by their fans while they are serving in the military?
7. Do you think it’s fair for celebrities to have to fulfill mandatory military service requirements? Why or why not?
8. How do you think the military service experience could impact the members of BTS?
9. What other ways can fans show their love and appreciation for BTS while they are serving in the military?
10. Do you think it’s important for celebrities to use their platform to address issues and communicate with their fans? Why or why not?
11. How do you think the presence of fans at army camps could affect the overall environment for other soldiers and their families?
12. Have you ever been part of a large crowd gathering for a send-off or farewell event? How was the experience?
13. How do you think the military service experience could impact the music and projects of BTS?
14. What are some other ways fans could support BTS during their military service?
15. Do you think it’s important for celebrities to prioritize their duties and responsibilities over their popularity and fame? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. nuisance
2. enrolled
3. distractions
4. commendable
5. fulfill
6. dedicated
7. support
8. privacy
9. initiative
10. communicate
11. gatherings
12. requirements
13. proceed
14. disruptions
15. appreciate

Meanings:
(A) Officially register or join a program or institution
(B) Help, assistance, or encouragement given to someone
(C) Continue or progress forward
(D) The state of being free from public attention or intrusion
(E) Interruptions or disturbances that prevent something from continuing as planned
(F) Meet or satisfy obligations or expectations
(G) The ability to take charge and begin something independently
(H) Value or recognize the full worth of something or someone
(I) Convey or exchange information or ideas
(J) Things or events that divert attention or prevent concentration
(K) Conditions or qualifications that must be met
(L) Worthy of praise or admiration
(M) Social gatherings or meetings of people
(N) Devoted and committed to a particular purpose or cause
(O) Something or someone that causes annoyance or inconvenience
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Why has BTS asked their fans not to visit army camps?
(a) They want to keep their military service private.
(b) They are afraid of their fans.
(c) They are concerned about causing trouble for other soldiers and their families.
(d) They don’t want their fans to see them in uniform.

2. How many members of BTS are expected to join the army next week?
(a) Three
(b) Four
(c) Two
(d) One

3. Why are fans not allowed to visit the army camps?
(a) The band members don’t want to see their fans.
(b) The army camps are not safe for fans.
(c) The band members want to focus on their duties.
(d) It can be disruptive and a nuisance.

4. What is the reason for South Korea’s mandatory conscription requirements?
(a) The government wants to control its citizens.
(b) The army camps need more visitors.
(c) The band members want to serve their country.
(d) The country is still technically at war with North Korea.

5. How should fans show their support for BTS during their military service?
(a) By visiting the army camps.
(b) By sending messages of encouragement.
(c) By organizing fan events.
(d) By ignoring them.

6. What does BTS’s request to their fans demonstrate?
(a) Maturity and responsibility as public figures.
(b) Fear of their fans.
(c) A desire for privacy.
(d) A lack of appreciation for their fans.

7. What can fans do to support BTS while they are serving in the military?
(a) Visit the army camps.
(b) Ignore them.
(c) Support their music and projects.
(d) Protest against their military service.

8. What is the main message of the article?
(a) BTS has asked their fans not to visit army camps during their military service.
(b) Fans should continue to support BTS in other ways.
(c) BTS is demonstrating maturity and responsibility by addressing this issue.
(d) All able-bodied men in South Korea are required to fulfill mandatory conscription requirements.

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. BTS wants to ensure that their military service proceeds smoothly without any disruptions.
2. Fans can continue to support BTS by respecting their wishes and finding alternative ways to show their love and appreciation.
3. The band members do not appreciate the support of their fans and ask that they show their support in other ways, rather than visiting the army camps.
4. Three other members of BTS are not yet enrolled in the military, with the oldest member, Jin, joining last year.
5. BTS has not asked their fans not to visit army camps during their mandatory military service.
6. The band members are not concerned that fan gatherings at the camps could cause trouble for other soldiers and their families.
7. Four members of BTS, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, are expected to join the army next week.
8. South Korea is still technically at war with North Korea, and all able-bodied men are required to fulfill mandatory conscription requirements.
Go to answers ⇩

Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. Why has BTS asked their fans not to visit army camps during their mandatory military service?
2. What has been the issue with large crowds gathering for send-offs in the past?
3. Why is it important for fans to respect the privacy and space of the band members during their military service?
4. How is BTS demonstrating their maturity and responsibility as public figures by addressing this issue?
5. What are some alternative ways that fans can continue to support BTS while they are serving in the military?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. Why has BTS asked their fans not to visit army camps during their mandatory military service?
BTS has asked their fans not to visit army camps during their mandatory military service because they are concerned that fans could cause trouble for other soldiers and their families.

2. What has been a nuisance in the past when large crowds gather for send-offs?
In the past, large crowds gathering for send-offs have become a nuisance.

3. Which members of BTS are expected to join the army next week?
The members of BTS expected to join the army next week are RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook.

4. Why is it important for fans to respect the privacy and space of the band members during their military service?
It is important for fans to respect the privacy and space of the band members during their military service so that the members can focus on their duties as soldiers without distractions.

5. How are BTS demonstrating their maturity and responsibility as public figures?
BTS is demonstrating their maturity and responsibility as public figures by taking the initiative to address the issue of fan gatherings at army camps and communicating their concerns to their fans.

6. How can fans continue to support BTS while they are serving in the military?
Fans can continue to support BTS while they are serving in the military by respecting their wishes and finding other ways to show their love and appreciation, such as sending messages of encouragement or participating in fan events organized by the band’s record label.

7. What are some other ways that fans can show their love and appreciation for BTS?
Some other ways that fans can show their love and appreciation for BTS include supporting their music and projects while they are serving in the military.

8. What is the current relationship between South Korea and North Korea?
South Korea is still technically at war with North Korea.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) asked
(2) members
(3) gathered
(4) nuisance
(5) South
(6) required
(7) military
(8) visiting
(9) support
(10) focus
(11) gatherings
(12) impact
(13) refrain
(14) record
(15) music
(16) projects
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. nuisance
Answer: (O) Something or someone that causes annoyance or inconvenience

2. enrolled
Answer: (A) Officially register or join a program or institution

3. distractions
Answer: (J) Things or events that divert attention or prevent concentration

4. commendable
Answer: (L) Worthy of praise or admiration

5. fulfill
Answer: (F) Meet or satisfy obligations or expectations

6. dedicated
Answer: (N) Devoted and committed to a particular purpose or cause

7. support
Answer: (B) Help, assistance, or encouragement given to someone

8. privacy
Answer: (D) The state of being free from public attention or intrusion

9. initiative
Answer: (G) The ability to take charge and begin something independently

10. communicate
Answer: (I) Convey or exchange information or ideas

11. gatherings
Answer: (M) Social gatherings or meetings of people

12. requirements
Answer: (K) Conditions or qualifications that must be met

13. proceed
Answer: (C) Continue or progress forward

14. disruptions
Answer: (E) Interruptions or disturbances that prevent something from continuing as planned

15. appreciate
Answer: (H) Value or recognize the full worth of something or someone
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Why has BTS asked their fans not to visit army camps?
Answer: (c) They are concerned about causing trouble for other soldiers and their families.

2. How many members of BTS are expected to join the army next week?
Answer: (b) Four

3. Why are fans not allowed to visit the army camps?
Answer: (d) It can be disruptive and a nuisance.

4. What is the reason for South Korea’s mandatory conscription requirements?
Answer: (d) The country is still technically at war with North Korea.

5. How should fans show their support for BTS during their military service?
Answer: (b) By sending messages of encouragement.

6. What does BTS’s request to their fans demonstrate?
Answer: (a) Maturity and responsibility as public figures.

7. What can fans do to support BTS while they are serving in the military?
Answer: (c) Support their music and projects.

8. What is the main message of the article?
Answer: (a) BTS has asked their fans not to visit army camps during their military service.
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. BTS wants to ensure that their military service proceeds smoothly without any disruptions. (Answer: True)
2. Fans can continue to support BTS by respecting their wishes and finding alternative ways to show their love and appreciation. (Answer: True)
3. The band members do not appreciate the support of their fans and ask that they show their support in other ways, rather than visiting the army camps. (Answer: False)
4. Three other members of BTS are not yet enrolled in the military, with the oldest member, Jin, joining last year. (Answer: False)
5. BTS has not asked their fans not to visit army camps during their mandatory military service. (Answer: False)
6. The band members are not concerned that fan gatherings at the camps could cause trouble for other soldiers and their families. (Answer: False)
7. Four members of BTS, RM, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, are expected to join the army next week. (Answer: True)
8. South Korea is still technically at war with North Korea, and all able-bodied men are required to fulfill mandatory conscription requirements. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧