Nowungrae "BTS Military Service Special Case, Alternative Service Not Exemption... Should Be Reviewed from National Interest Perspective"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] Roh Woong-rae, Supreme Council Member of the Democratic Party of Korea, stated that special military service exemptions should be applied to Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS), clarifying that it refers to "alternative service, not exemption." Roh previously mentioned on the 5th during the Supreme Council meeting that "it is time to seriously discuss special military service exemptions for BTS."

On the morning of the 6th, Roh appeared on MBC Radio and responded to the question, "Does special military service exemption mean exemption or alternative service?" by saying "alternative service." He explained, "We suggested opening a public discussion on granting special military service to BTS, but some people think this means military exemption or not serving in the military. It is definitely different."

Regarding the form of alternative service, he cited the example of Son Heung-min, saying, "If activities stop, it means you cannot promote national prestige." Roh emphasized, "Military exemption means completely exempting military service. Special military service means that during the period, one must work under certain conditions to be recognized as fulfilling military service, which is different from exemption. Son Heung-min is not exempt from military service." Son completed basic military training in April and is currently active as a player for Tottenham in the UK. He will complete his military duty after 34 months of playing football and 544 hours of volunteer work.

Roh said, "We can establish a public review committee and evaluate popular artists similarly to how industrial and scientific special service personnel are assessed under certain criteria." He added, "Now is the era when Bob Dylan receives the Nobel Prize in Literature, but some still belittle popular culture as old-fashioned entertainers and exclude it. BTS represents Hallyu, which can be considered a leading future strategic industry. Excluding this while granting special military service to others contradicts the legislative intent of the system."

Regarding Kim Jong-chul, the Justice Party presidential candidate, who said he opposes as a member of ARMY (BTS fan club), Roh said, "Ultimately, since this is a key issue related to fairness and justice, it can rapidly progress or fade depending on public sentiment and consensus."

When asked whether there is a reason for politicians to discuss special military service exemptions when BTS has stated they will serve in the military, Roh said, "Military duty is an obligation, and if someone says they will not serve, it means giving up being a citizen. Naturally, the individual should say they will serve. From a third-party perspective, we need to review what benefits the national interest more."

Regarding the bill proposed by fellow party member Jeon Yong-gi to allow postponement of enlistment until age 30, Roh said, "This is a step further in changing special military service."

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