©REUTERS/Maria Alejandra Cardona
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What do you know about K-pop and its influence in the music industry?
- What do you know about mandatory military service in different countries?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- gather /GATH-er/
- express /ik-SPRES/
- threat /thret/
- passionate /PASH-uh-nit/
- commitment /kuh-MIT-muhnt/
[verb] – (of people or animals) to come together in a group
The neighbors gather for barbecues.
[verb] – to show a feeling or idea by what you say or do or by how you look
She expressed her gratitude sincerely.
[noun] – the possibility that something unwanted will happen, or a person or thing that is likely to cause something unwanted to happen
The storm posed threats yesterday.
[adjective] – having or showing strong emotions, enthusiasm, or a deep interest in something
She has a passionate love for music, spending hours each day practicing her instruments.
[noun] – a promise or firm decision to do something
Their unwavering commitment to volunteerism inspired others and showcased their dedication to making a positive difference in their community.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The famous K-pop group BTS is facing a big change as four of its members start their mandatory military service in South Korea. This comes after three other bandmates already joined earlier. Their loyal fans are determined to wait until 2025 for the group to get back together.
Despite the rainy weather, a group of fans gathered on Monday to say goodbye for now to the band’s leader, RM, and singer V, sharing kind messages and good wishes at their training camp in Nonsan. On Weverse, V expressed thanks and longing, mentioning the difficulty of not making happy memories together for some time. RM also talked about feeling lonely sometimes during the 18 months ahead but seeing it as a chance for personal growth. Jimin and Jung Kook have already started their military service, along with RM and V, who are doing their duties. According to Yonhap news agency, three other members got a day off from their military duties. In South Korea, it is necessary for all healthy men aged 18–28 to serve in the military for about two years to protect against possible threats, particularly from North Korea. BTS has a passionate global fan base known as ARMY, and they have actively supported social causes. In 2020, ARMY fans raised $1 million for the Black Lives Matter movement in just 25 hours. Some dedicated fans gathered in a Tokyo area called Korea Town, showing strong support and commitment to wait for the band’s return.
Despite the rainy weather, a group of fans gathered on Monday to say goodbye for now to the band’s leader, RM, and singer V, sharing kind messages and good wishes at their training camp in Nonsan. On Weverse, V expressed thanks and longing, mentioning the difficulty of not making happy memories together for some time. RM also talked about feeling lonely sometimes during the 18 months ahead but seeing it as a chance for personal growth. Jimin and Jung Kook have already started their military service, along with RM and V, who are doing their duties. According to Yonhap news agency, three other members got a day off from their military duties. In South Korea, it is necessary for all healthy men aged 18–28 to serve in the military for about two years to protect against possible threats, particularly from North Korea. BTS has a passionate global fan base known as ARMY, and they have actively supported social causes. In 2020, ARMY fans raised $1 million for the Black Lives Matter movement in just 25 hours. Some dedicated fans gathered in a Tokyo area called Korea Town, showing strong support and commitment to wait for the band’s return.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What significant change is occurring for the K-pop group BTS, as described in the article?
- Who are the band members from BTS that have recently started their mandatory military service?
- What messages did RM and V share before beginning their military service?
- Why is it mandatory for healthy men aged 18–28 in South Korea to serve in the military?
- How has BTS’s global fan base, known as ARMY, supported social causes in the past?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever had a favorite singer or famous person take a break from their job? Did it change how much you liked them? How do you think fans feel when their favorite artist takes a break?
- If you were a member of BTS and had to do mandatory military service, how would you manage your duties as a soldier and your job as a singer?
- Do you think BTS should be exempt from military service because of their impact on South Korea and the world?
- How might BTS members doing military service affect their music, popularity, and the band when they come back together?
- What do you think about the rule in South Korea that requires famous people, like K-pop stars, to join the military? How does it influence the entertainment industry?