Korea Ministry of National Defense opposed the request of a “military service exemption” for BTS
The Ministry of National Defense disapproved of the amendment to the Military Service Act to exempt BTS’s military service.
At the National Assembly on November 25th, while discussing ways to allow artists who have high contributions in raising national interest and promoting popular culture like BTS to do alternative service as ‘arts and sports’ personnel, the Ministry of National Defense expressed their opposition.
At the regular briefing earlier on the same day, the spokesman of the Ministry of National Defense – Boo Seung-chan said, “It’s hard to decide on expanding the scope of ‘arts and sports’ personnel, and we need to be cautious.”
Spokesman Boo continued, “We have to consider the situation variables. Among the things that are happening right now, the result caused by the sharp decrease in population is the biggest problem. Social consensus is also necessary. In my words, wouldn’t it be more fair if they fulfill their military service?”
On the same day, at the National Assembly’s Legislation Review Subcommittee of the National Defense Commission discussed a “revision to Military Service Act” to allow alternative service to the popular cultural artists with high contributions in raising national interest.
The plan is to include the popular cultural artists, such as BTS, to serve as ‘arts and sports’ personnel who can complete volunteer hours while continuing activities in their fields.
Until now, only musicians who won international competitions in classical music and Olympic medal winners among athletes have been able to work as ‘arts and sports’ personnel.
As a result, attention is being focused on whether BTS will be able to replace their military service with the position of ‘arts and sports’ personnel, which closely means an exemption of military service, following the benefit of being able to delay their military services last year.
According to the Military Service Act revised in December last year, people who made outstanding achievements of popular culture and arts and contributed in promoting national prestige can postpone their enlistment date until the age of 30.
