[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] BTS Military Service Benefits Re-discussed Today

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] The issue of military service benefits for ‘Bangtan Sonyeondan’ (BTS) is set to be reconsidered on the 25th.

According to the National Assembly, at 10 a.m. on the same day, the National Defense Committee’s Bill Review Subcommittee will discuss including ‘popular culture artists in the category of arts and sports personnel.’ If the bill passes the subcommittee, it will open the door to military service benefits.

BTS has been at the center of controversy regarding military service since they topped the Billboard main album chart ‘Billboard 200’ in 2018. Recently, BTS attracted even more attention by becoming the first Asian artist to win the grand prize at the ‘American Music Awards,’ one of the three major music award ceremonies in the United States.

The music industry holds the view that BTS should be granted the status of arts and sports personnel. It is argued that talented individuals who have contributed to national prestige and cultural development should be allowed to perform alternative service as arts and sports personnel instead of military service. Those who receive the alternative service designation as arts and sports personnel must complete 4 weeks of basic military training, then engage in their specialty field for 34 months and complete 544 hours of volunteer work.

However, the eligibility for arts and sports personnel is limited. The military service special exemption system for arts and sports, established in 1973, granted benefits to athletes who reached the semifinals in the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup and the 2006 World Baseball Classic. Winners of first place in classical music competitions such as violin and piano also received benefits. However, popular culture artists are not included in the sports or pure arts categories, so even if they top the Billboard charts with popular music, they do not receive military service exemptions.

Even if the partial amendment to the Military Service Act passes in the National Assembly on this day, it is unlikely that BTS will receive benefits. The oldest member of BTS, born in 1992, will turn 30 next year and must enlist by December of next year. However, even if the amendment passes, it will take time before BTS can benefit from it. That said, BTS received the Hwagwan Order of Cultural Merit, the 5th grade cultural medal, in 2018, which allows them to postpone enlistment until the age of 30.

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