“BTS’s exemption from military service” – The real heroes of the country or a mighty force standing behind them?

BTS is appointed to be special envoys for Korea’s culture and growth by Korea’s president Moon Jae In.

According to Blue House’s spokesperson Park Kyung Mi on July 21, President Moon has appointed BTS to be special envoys for Korea’s culture and growth to “expand the country’s diplomatic strength, outreach on a worldwide level, at a time when South Korea’s status in the international society is increasing recognition”.

This move will also extend the presidency of Moon’s public diplomacy. It is a “collaborative effort among professionals in the field of civic culture whose stage is the world,” to improve South Korea’s image of a nation that leads in global issues. “

BTS’s first official activity as presidential envoys is to attend the upcoming 75th United Nations General Assembly. The event will take place in September. BTS aims to send a message of hope, comfort and encouragement to the youth around the world. As presidential envoys of South Korea, they will continue to work with international organizations in the areas of environmental protection, poverty and diversity.

BTS fans were pleased with the news but many people raised the question of the military exemption. Fans argued that BTS should receive some benefit, such as the mandatory military exemption, if they are going to be called for any government functions. They should be granted a military service exemption if they are appointed presidential envoys. “

BTS members however responded to the controversy surrounding the enlistment issue in November 2013 at a press conference. They said, “If the country calls, we will respond at all times.” The obligation to serve in the military is national.

The government discussed at the 2019 95th National Policy Review and Coordination Meeting the need to broaden the reach of inclusion of artists in pop culture and individuals such as BTS, who have contributed to the enhancement of national prestige.

There is no denying all the remarkable merits that BTS has brought to the country, but is it worthy enough for them to be exempt from the service? According to the law, men from the age of 18 to 29 years old are required to join the military service unless they have serious health problems and cannot participate in the military service.

This issue will continue to be the subject of constant discussion in the future.