No Woong-rae: "BTS, Who Brought National Prestige, Should Be Granted Military Service Exemption"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] A claim has emerged from the leadership of the Democratic Party of Korea that BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) should be exempted from military service.

No Woong-rae, a senior member of the Democratic Party, said at the party's supreme council meeting held at the National Assembly on the morning of the 5th, "Today marks the start of the subscription for the public offering of Big Hit Entertainment, BTS's agency, drawing much attention," adding, "BTS has topped the Billboard charts and has an economic ripple effect worth 700 billion KRW. The value of spreading Hallyu and enhancing national prestige cannot be estimated."

He continued, "Now is the time to seriously consider special military service exemptions," and said, "While the sacred duty of national defense is Korea's mission, it is not something everyone must do. BTS, who have enhanced national prestige, should be the subject of this." He emphasized, "A Cultural and Artistic Public Merit Review Committee should be formed to make a judgment," and added, "There is a way to utilize their value by having them participate for a certain period in overseas Dokdo promotion. It is time to discuss how these proud young people can contribute to national interests."

Article 60 of the current Military Service Act permits postponement of enlistment until the age of 28 only for ▲ students attending high school or higher ▲ those undergoing designated courses at training institutions ▲ outstanding athletes contributing to national prestige.

The oldest member of BTS, Jin (real name Kim Seok-jin), born in 1992, is approaching his enlistment time. Big Hit Entertainment, BTS's agency, recently stated officially in a securities report submitted to the Financial Services Commission, "We believe Jin can postpone enlistment under the Military Service Act until the end of 2021."

Meanwhile, Democratic Party lawmaker Jeon Yong-gi introduced a partial amendment bill to the Military Service Act on the 3rd of last month, allowing postponement of military service for popular culture artists. The amendment bill proposes that outstanding figures in the popular culture and arts field, recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for significantly contributing to raising Korea's domestic and international national status and dignity, be allowed to postpone conscription and summons. The postponement age limit is set to 30 years.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.