In Korea, a debate has arisen concerning the equal treatment of pop cultural artists when it comes to military duty benefits
Currently, the country lacks clear regulations and objective standards for categorizing these artists within the same bracket as athletes, who enjoy certain benefits related to their service obligations.
This issue recently found a voice through the Association of Korean Music, a group representing the interests of pop culture artists. They have launched a call for the establishment of a more just military service system.
Their plea is straightforward: “We earnestly request the establishment of a military service system that doesn’t discriminate against artists, those who have enhanced the nation’s reputation and contributed to the nation through Korean culture.“
The argument in favor of this proposal is compelling. When examining the trade balance in the first half of 2023, it becomes evident that K-pop artists have made substantial contributions to the national economy.
K-pop concerts, for instance, have not only been entertainment spectacles but have also played a crucial role in salvaging financially challenging events, such as the World Scout Jamboree.
It’s important to acknowledge that the prestige that artists bring to Korea is no less significant than that which athletes contribute. The view that commercial activities should be the sole criteria for exempting artists from their military duties is challenged by the fact that many athletes have been actively engaged on the world stage.
These athletes have successfully ventured into commercial activities, reaping substantial profits, a phenomenon no different from what artists achieve.
The essence of the argument is not that the new system is required for the entirety of artists. Instead, the focus is on addressing the inequalities that arise when opportunities are denied to artists solely based on their categorization as pop culture artists, despite having achieved the goal of enhancing the nation’s reputation.
