Only BTS is proposed to be exempt from military service, why?

According to Korea Time, the fact that the Korean National Assembly is considering exemption from compulsory military service for BTS members has been controversial for a long time. Many people doubt that BTS's military service exemption because of their success in the international market is unfair.

This topic once again became the focus of controversy in the mid-April days when Representative Sung Il Jong of the People's Power Party - who holds the position of executive secretary for the National Assembly's National Defense Committee - told MBC's military service exemption for BTS is being discussed.

Does BTS deserve to be exempt from military service?

Mr. Sung Il Jong said that the parliament is rapidly considering the bill to provide a legal basis for BTS. Representative Seong Il Jong explained, "Winning an Olympic gold medal has an economic boost of about 259 billion won. Meanwhile, winning first place on Billboard has an economic boost of 600 billion won a year. seconds. BTS has been at the top for 17 weeks so far, and the group is bringing about 56 trillion won (approximately $45.5 billion) to the national benefit."

"Since this is a matter of fairness and national interest, I don't think there will be any disagreement between the ruling party and the opposition," Sung Il Jong said. Sung Il Jong said the two main parties have a positive stance on the bill.

The bill could be passed during a special parliamentary session set to convene this month, before the end of President Moon Jae In's term (May). Sung Il Jong's statement came two days after HYBE - the entertainment company behind BTS - asked the council to come to a conclusion on this matter soon.

HYBE stated during a press conference in Las Vegas that the members are having trouble planning their future because the matter of enlistment has not been decided. If the bill is not passed, Jin - the oldest member of the group - must enlist in the army next December.

HYBE's Communications Director Lee Jin Hyung confirmed, "Recent changes in the members' military service make it difficult for us to speculate. That makes it difficult for the members to meet their needs. plan for the future".

By law, all fit South Korean men between the ages of 18 and 28 must serve in the military for about two years.

The discussion surrounding BTS's military exemption was first mentioned in September 2020, when they became the first K-pop group to debut at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 with the song. Dynamite song. Even President Moon Jae In later thanked the singers for raising "K-pop pride".

Politicians also reacted quickly. Several legislators then submitted proposals to amend the Military Service Act to allow pop artists with great achievements abroad to defer military service.

In December 2020, the National Assembly passed a bill that would allow globally recognized male pop culture artists to defer mandatory military service. This helps them manage their careers better. However, with BTS's Billboard top performance or being the first Asian artist to be nominated for a Grammy, many people think that the group deserves an exemption, not just a postponement of military service.

Controversial public opinion

Under current law, Olympic medalists and international award-winning classical musicians are also exempt from military service. They are recognized for their contribution in enhancing the country's reputation abroad.

For example, South Korean footballer Son Heung Min - who plays for the English Premier League's Tottenham Hotspur - was exempted from military service in September 2018 after the Korean national team beat Japan to win the medal. Gold medal at the Asian Games.

Before the success of BTS, many people think that the exemption from military service only applies to classical athletes and musicians is unfair. Accordingly, the law needs to be amended to apply to popular singers as well. Currently, Korean popular culture is playing an important role in raising the nation's global stature. In 2018, the Hyundai Research Institute estimated that BTS alone generated an economic effect of 4.14 trillion won ($3.54 billion) to the Korean economy annually.

"If someone asks if BTS's achievements are on par with Olympic gold medals, I will answer yes," said an account advocating the group's military service exemption. This person added: "Everyone should know that unless they are idiots."

Another said BTS "has a huge impact on the economic interests of the nation". However, many people have the opposite view. They argue that the exemption from military service for pop stars is against the current social situation. Current society tends to be fair, especially for young men in their 20s.

Previously, many Korean stars were criticized for avoiding military service. PSY is famous for his 2012 global hit "Gangnam Style", but is still criticized for neglecting his duties while performing his military service in 2007. Former Korean-American singer Yoo Seung Joon was banned from entering Korea. since 2002. He is accused of giving up his Korean nationality to avoid serving in the army.

"What public good have these people contributed? Did they save our country from war?", one person opposed to BTS's exemption from service. Some even argue that favors should be abolished for both athletes and musicians.

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