"Stop Using BTS for Politics" Political Factions Exploit BTS... Citizens Growing Weary

BTS Mentioned in Political Attacks Following Military Service Exemption Debate
Civilians Say "Stop Using for Political Struggles... We're Tired"

On the 7th, at the Van Fleet Award ceremony held online by the Korea Society, a U.S.-based Korea-U.S. friendship nonprofit foundation, the group BTS delivered their acceptance speech. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] As the political circles continue their protracted discussions over the special military service exemption for BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan), fatigue is mounting not only among fans but also among the general public. This is because the discussions related to BTS are taking place not on a dazzling stage but in the National Assembly in Yeouido.

Moreover, with no response from the ruling party regarding recent criticism from Chinese netizens over BTS's acceptance speech, the opposition party has criticized the ruling party, suggesting that BTS is being used merely as a political topic.

As a result, conflicts between the ruling and opposition parties over BTS's military service exemption and their remarks have intensified, leading to growing criticism that BTS is being excessively used as a subject of political and diplomatic disputes.

On the 5th, Roh Woong-rae, a Supreme Council member of the Democratic Party of Korea, proposed a special military service exemption for BTS during the National Assembly's Supreme Council meeting, sparking the controversy.

Despite BTS members having expressed their belief that "military service is a natural duty," as political debates intensified, some criticized the policy as populism aimed at riding the wave of the idol group's popularity. The military-related debate concerning BTS has continued even during the ongoing National Assembly inspection.

In response, Lee Nak-yeon, leader of the Democratic Party, urged at the Supreme Council meeting on the 7th, "Continuing to discuss BTS's military service issue in the political arena is uncomfortable for the public and not something BTS themselves want, so I hope we now refrain from further comments."

Kim Hyun-ah, member of the People Power Party. Photo by Yonhap News

Meanwhile, the opposition party also cited BTS to criticize the ruling party.

Kim Hyun-ah, a member of the Emergency Committee of the People Power Party, wrote on her Facebook on the 13th, "When BTS had political and commercial value, everyone rushed to act friendly and take care of them, but in difficult situations, companies are scared and keep their distance, the Blue House remains silent, and even the ruling party that wanted to exempt BTS from military service is not stepping forward."

This comment pointed to the government's and ruling party's lack of response to Chinese netizens' criticism of BTS mentioning the Korean War during an award acceptance speech at a U.S. ceremony on the 7th.

Kim also referred to the controversy caused by Lee Soo-hyuk, South Korea's ambassador to the U.S., who said during the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee's inspection on the 12th, "Just because we formed an alliance 70 years ago, we should not have to uphold it if we don't even love the U.S.; that is an insult to America."

She added, "In this context, the ambassador's remarks at the inspection seem to suggest that we should succumb to China's pressure as the trend of the times. Ambassador, should we form alliances with countries that attack BTS's remarks and disregard national dignity out of love? We must protect our BTS. ARMY (BTS fan club), please help," she concluded.

Idol group BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan). Photo by Yonhap News

Some citizens are expressing fatigue over BTS being continuously mentioned in political circles.

Lee, a 20-something office worker who identified as a BTS fan, said, "Listening to BTS's music and watching their dances has always been a source of strength and healing, but lately, BTS's name appears more often in political news," adding, "Fans and artists just want to communicate through music. I even doubt whether this political strife is truly for BTS's benefit."

Concerns are also rising that the message and positive influence BTS conveys worldwide may be diminished as they are excessively used as tools in political conflicts.

One netizen said, "BTS has never asked for special treatment," and added, "Even if military service exemptions are granted to entertainers, discussions should be based on clear criteria applicable to other entertainers who have contributed to national prestige, not just BTS. Without any standards or grounds, the debate only deepens division."

Meanwhile, the Military Manpower Administration is reportedly considering raising the upper age limit for enlistment deferral for popular culture artists, including BTS, to a maximum of 30 years old.

On the 13th, Mo Jong-hwa, head of the Military Manpower Administration, said at the National Assembly National Defense Committee inspection, regarding the "criteria for enlistment deferral for outstanding popular culture artists," "We are preparing the highest level of recommendation criteria and considering setting an upper age limit for enlistment deferral, in consultation with the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and other related agencies."

Mo added, "We aim to enhance the country's image by guaranteeing popular culture and arts activities. However, deferrals will be canceled for those who damage dignity," he concluded.

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