"Is It Necessary for Everyone to Serve in the Military?" Controversy Over BTS Military Service Exemption

BTS Tops Billboard Hot 100 for 2 Consecutive Weeks
No Woongrae: "Military Service Sacred but Alternative Service for Public Figures Needs Review"
Jeon Yonggi Proposes Military Service Law Amendment
Seo Wook on BTS Military Benefits: "Public Consensus Must Precede"

Group BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] As the enlistment dates for some members of the group BTS, the driving force behind the K-pop wave, approach, controversy has arisen after Roh Woong-rae, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, proposed on the 5th to bring the issue of special military service exemptions for BTS into public discussion.

Although the members have consistently stated that "military service is a natural duty," there have been ongoing claims that they should receive military-related benefits given their increased national contribution through popular arts, such as recently becoming the first Korean singers to top the US Billboard main singles chart.

At the Democratic Party Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 5th, Council Member Roh said, "BTS, the Hallyu stars, have generated an economic effect of 60 trillion won over 10 years, and 6 trillion won this year alone," adding, "They achieved a Billboard No. 1 ranking, bringing an effect of 1.7 trillion won, and their contribution to spreading Hallyu and enhancing national prestige is so significant that it is difficult even to estimate. Therefore, we need to seriously discuss special military service exemptions."

He continued, "Military duty is a sacred obligation, but not everyone must bear arms," supporting special military service exemptions for BTS.

He further stated, "There are alternative services for technical and artistic personnel, but popular culture does not fall under this category. Hallyu is truly a future industry, and if artistic creation is a form of national prestige, BTS is the prime example," adding, "If fairness is a concern, a public review committee composed of experts can make the judgment, and there is also the option to utilize BTS's value by having them participate in national promotional events."

BTS performing 'Dynamite' at MTV 'Video Music Awards'
[Photo by BigHit Entertainment]

BTS recently set a historic record by topping the US Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for two consecutive weeks with their new song "Dynamite," drawing attention to their military service issue. This is especially notable as Jin, the oldest member born in 1992, is approaching his enlistment date.

Regarding this, Big Hit Entertainment, their agency, projected in a securities report submitted to the Financial Services Commission that Jin could legally defer enlistment until the end of 2021, when he turns 29 (calculated by subtracting birth year from the current year under the Military Service Act).

However, Big Hit explained, "As of the date of the securities report submission, the enlistment timing and method for BTS members, including Kim Seokjin (Jin), have not been decided," adding, "Future factors such as the Military Manpower Administration's approval of enlistment deferral and amendments to the Military Service Act may affect this."

Earlier, on the 14th of last month, Defense Minister Seo Wook responded in a written inquiry submitted to the National Assembly's Defense Committee regarding BTS's military service benefits, stating, "The special military service exemption system for outstanding popular culture artists requires prior national consensus and sufficient discussion."

The group BTS appeared for the first time on NPR's famous music program "Tiny Desk Concert."
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Relatedly, although not immediate military exemption or special treatment, a bill focusing on allowing enlistment deferral for popular artists was recently proposed in the National Assembly.

On the 3rd of last month, Democratic Party lawmaker Jeon Yong-gi introduced a partial amendment to the Military Service Act that permits enlistment deferral for outstanding popular culture artists recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism until the age of 30.

Opinions among citizens are divided regarding special military service exemptions for BTS.

A 25-year-old office worker, A, said, "Considering BTS's influence in promoting Korea worldwide, it is appropriate to exempt them," adding, "With BTS topping the Billboard charts, not only do foreigners take an interest in Korea, but I heard they even learn Korean directly. Wouldn't it be more beneficial for the country if BTS continues to make a name in the music industry rather than serving in the military?"

He continued, "BTS has an economic impact exceeding 1 trillion won annually in our country," adding, "Given the economic and cultural influence, I think they deserve an exemption at this level."

On the other hand, a 35-year-old office worker, B, said, "It is true that BTS has enhanced national prestige, but exempting them from military service is unfair," criticizing, "If there had been clear standards for military exemption before, I wouldn't oppose it, but attempting to amend the law just for BTS seems inappropriate. Also, isn't it right that men should serve in the military?"

Meanwhile, multiple petitions titled "Please allow BTS to receive special military service exemptions," "We formally petition for military exemption for BTS and our youth who won the e-sports world championship," and "Petition for BTS military exemption" have been posted on the Blue House's public petition board recently.

The petitioners urged, "BTS topped the Billboard charts, a first in Korea and a rare achievement in Asia. Their influence is tremendous worldwide, contributing economically and enhancing national prestige," adding, "If popular culture achieves significant global success, the perspective should naturally shift to granting military exemptions."

Meanwhile, BTS members have consistently expressed their intention to enlist. Jin stated at the global press conference for 'MAP OF THE SOUL : 7' in February, "Military service is a natural duty," and "I am ready to respond whenever the country calls."

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