Lee Nak-yeon: "BTS and Others Eligible for Military Service Exemptions Should First Resolve It Themselves"

Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is attending the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 5th and delivering an opening remark. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said on the 6th that he is "cautious about the political sphere bringing up the issue first" regarding the proposal to provide military service exemptions to popular culture artists such as BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan).

At the 'Emergency Meeting on Cultural and Artistic Issues to Overcome COVID-19' held at the National Assembly that day, Lee stated, "I have a cautious thought about how the public would perceive it, and whether it is appropriate for the political sphere to intervene when the individuals themselves do not necessarily want it."

Lee added, "If BTS serves in the military, there could be ways for them to enhance the nation's prestige and deliver messages of hope to the world through their activities there," and expressed hope that the cultural and artistic community or the individuals themselves would come to a resolution on this matter.

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