[2020 National Audit] BTS Military Service Special Case Controversy, Director of National Assembly Inspection Office: "Will Consult with Relevant Ministries"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Kim Byung-wook, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, pointed out on the 7th that the discussion on special military service exemptions for the world-renowned K-pop idol group 'Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS)' is "actually an issue where popular culture artists are being discriminated against."

At the National Assembly's Political Affairs Committee audit held that day, Kim said to Koo Yoon-chul, the Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, "It would be understandable if there were no special military service exemptions, but since they currently exist, it is peculiar that only popular culture artists are excluded."

Kim referred to his remarks during last year's audit, where he pointed out the necessity of applying special military service exemptions to popular culture artists to the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and criticized, "Almost a year has passed, and it seems the government side still has not settled on a clear position."

In response, Director Koo explained, "Last year, Congressman Kim also spoke to the previous director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, and I have confirmed this. The relevant ministries held a meeting, but considering various reductions in military service resources, it seems no clear conclusion was reached at that time."

He added, "I will review the situation to see if there have been any changes between now and last year," and "I will consult with the relevant ministries."

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