"Welcome to Postpone Enlistment" vs "Isn't It a Privilege?" BTS, 'Enlistment Postponement' Controversy

Military Manpower Administration "Postponement of Conscription and Enlistment for Outstanding Popular Culture Figures"
Enlistment Postponement Possible for BTS Under Revised Law

BTS. Photo by Big Hit Entertainment

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] The Military Manpower Administration announced on the 13th that it is promoting a revision of the Military Service Act through government legislation, which includes postponement of conscription and mobilization for outstanding individuals in the field of popular culture and arts. If the bill is enacted, it is expected that the military service of BTS, the first Korean singer to top the Billboard main singles chart, can also be postponed.

However, among some young people, there are criticisms that the situation is unfair, as postponements are granted simply because of popularity among the public, not because of achievements like Olympic gold medals. They argue that it is not at a level that all citizens can accept.

On the same day, the Military Manpower Administration stated in its report for the National Defense Committee's audit at the National Assembly, "We are promoting the revision of the Military Service Act, which focuses on postponement of conscription and mobilization for outstanding individuals in the field of popular culture and arts."

It is known that the Military Manpower Administration will submit a positive review to the National Assembly regarding the Military Service Act amendment bill, which was introduced by Jeon Yong-gi, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea.

Last month, Representative Jeon proposed the amendment to the Military Service Act to allow postponement of conscription and mobilization for outstanding individuals in the field of popular culture and arts, who are recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism for enhancing national prestige and dignity.

Mojonghwa, Commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, is taking an oath at the National Defense Committee's audit of the Military Manpower Administration held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the morning of the 13th. / Photo by Yonhap News

If the amendment to the Military Service Act is finalized, BTS will not be granted 'military service exemption,' but postponement of conscription and mobilization may be possible.

The Military Manpower Administration explained, "We will prepare a government plan to postpone for those recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, but cancel the postponement for those who damage dignity," adding, "The purpose is to enhance the national image by guaranteeing activities in popular culture and arts."

However, the Military Manpower Administration maintains its stance to exclude artists in the popular culture and arts field from military service special cases.

The issue is whether the reasons for postponing military service are widely accepted among young people. While BTS's achievement as the first Korean singer to top the Billboard main singles chart is highly evaluated, there is criticism as to whether it meets the criteria for postponing enlistment.

Kim, a university student in his 20s, said, "I can acknowledge BTS's achievements," but emphasized, "I hope all young people enlist fairly." He added, "Based on personal opinions, some people may dislike BTS's songs, and among those people, there could be criticism that this is a kind of special privilege."

Lee, a worker in his early 30s, said, "It can be said that BTS created a Hallyu wave strong enough to allow military service postponement, but the enlistment issue is somewhat sensitive, and I think complaints may arise among people in their 20s who are about to enlist." He added, "I wish a survey had been conducted among young people in their 20s."

On the 22nd of last month, the group BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan) made their first appearance on NPR's famous music program, the "Tiny Desk Concert." [Image source=Yonhap News]

Among those who have completed military service, there are also opinions that some consideration is needed. Park, a company employee in his 30s, said, "Postponement intended to avoid enlistment is severely punished," adding, "It is a sensitive topic among people in their 20s who are about to enlist. Changing the law to allow postponement just because of popularity or raising the status of K-pop is controversial." He further criticized, "To put it bluntly, it could be seen as a kind of special privilege."

Meanwhile, BTS has continuously expressed their intention to enlist. On April 18 last year (local time), BTS emphasized in an interview with the US CBS 'Sunday Morning' that "military service is a duty as Koreans, and we will go if the country calls." They have consistently stated their intention to enlist regardless of political controversies over 'BTS military service postponement.'

Meanwhile, BTS's eldest member Jin (Kim Seok-jin, 28), born in 1992, is scheduled to enlist soon. Following him, the members will serve in the military in order of age difference by one year: Suga (Min Yoon-gi, 27), RM (Kim Nam-joon, 26), J-Hope (Jung Ho-seok, 26), Jimin (Park Ji-min, 25), V (Kim Tae-hyung, 25), and Jungkook (Jeon Jung-kook, 23).

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