Controversy Over Unpaid BTS Activity Fees: Tak Hyun-min Says "If the National Assembly Changes the Law to Simplify Procedures, It Will Be Resolved"

"The government and agencies state that the payment decision completed status is effectively the same as the actual payment"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Gong Byung-sun] Tak Hyun-min, Protocol Secretary at the Blue House, dismissed the controversy over the activity expenses for BTS's presidential special envoy duties, stating that the payment decision has already been finalized.

On the 15th, Secretary Tak said on Facebook, "It is natural for the government to follow the established procedures," adding, "Currently, the 'payment decision is complete,' and if the recipient requests, the money will be deposited."

The controversy arose after Park Jung-ryeol, head of the Overseas Culture and Publicity Agency, responded during the previous day's National Assembly audit that BTS had not yet received the special envoy activity expenses, prompting Secretary Tak to rebut.

Secretary Tak pointed out, "The status of 'payment decision complete' is no different from actual payment according to the government and the agency, but if this continues to be an issue, the solution is simple," adding, "The National Assembly should amend the law to allow skipping procedures and enable deposits like account transfers between private parties."

Furthermore, he said, "If budgets are allocated to provide rightful expenses to those who have devoted themselves to national affairs and procedures are simplified for prompt payment, people like me wouldn't have to struggle so much," adding, "Otherwise, we can just say 'thank you for your hard work' to the dedication of artists like BTS and the efforts of public officials."

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