The flip side of enlistment is just as problematic.
BTS, HYBE, and - by extension - even the korean GDP would suffer from lost revenue on some pretty bad levels.
The group contributes $3.5 billion annually to the SK GDP and even during the pandemic, HYBE was able to increase revenue 58% thanks to BTS.(NY Times)
If bts left, HYBE could be even considered to be written off and gone due to the backlash in the stock market; holders would sell once one of the biggest money makers of HYBE were put on hold. A mass sale of stock plunges the stock value and if HYBE isn't proactive enough, it could torpedo the company into oblivion. RIP to Lesserafim and NewJeans.
Not only that but NPRrates BTS as bringing in $5Bn for the SK economy a year in ripple effects, creating jobs, and providing revenue streams that weren't possible without them. That's already 0.5% of the SK annual GDP
In macro economics, even sub percent changes to the GDP is insane; GDP growth for america fell 0.9% and economists are already ringing the alarm bells. Changes in GDP growth already shakes economies, not to mention straight GDP.
Basically if BTS were to full-stop in kpop and go to the military, SK can expect a minor recession on the horizon.
Edit: The Cultural Merit award is practically an understatement at this point. Bts is no joking matter simply because of economics.