Will BTS Military Service Exemption Be Decided by Public Opinion Poll?...Passing the Ball to the People?

Minister of National Defense Faces Controversy Over 'Public Opinion Poll Directive' on BTS Military Service
Expert: "Decisions Should Not Be Made Like Popularity Contests, Must Reconsider"

Group BTS Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] As the enlistment period for members of the group 'Bangtan Sonyeondan (BTS)' approaches, controversy has flared up again over whether to apply military service exemptions. The Ministry of National Defense has expressed a new view that it will conduct a public opinion survey to reach a conclusion on this issue. Critics argue that instead of seeking alternatives to achieve social consensus on this sensitive matter connected to national policy, the responsibility is being shifted to public opinion.

On the 31st of last month, at a full meeting of the National Defense Committee (NDC) of the National Assembly, Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop responded to a question from Rep. Seol Hoon of the Democratic Party regarding BTS's military service exemption issue, saying, "I instructed my aides to set a deadline and reach a conclusion, and I have already ordered to conduct the public opinion survey quickly." He added, "We will synthesize various opinions and consider national interests from multiple dimensions to make a decision as soon as possible." On the same day, Rep. Seol and Rep. Sung Il-jong of the People Power Party proposed quickly conducting a public opinion survey to gather public sentiment as BTS's enlistment period approaches.

However, at the NDC meeting, there were also negative opinions about deciding military service exemption through a public opinion survey. Rep. Kim Young-bae of the Democratic Party said, "The pitfall of public opinion surveys is that the results can vary completely depending on who designs them, what is asked, and how it is asked. Depending on the question design, a specific conclusion can be induced." He added, "We need to review the survey questions, but I hope the NDC holds expert hearings or forums. Overall, such processes should be undertaken so that the spirit of the times can be publicized."

Rep. Ahn Kyu-baek of the same party also said, "It is true that BTS has promoted national prestige through popular arts," but pointed out, "I think young people studying at universities, young farmers in rural areas, and workers at defense companies are all promoting national prestige. If there were abundant military service resources as before, it would be different, but now we are facing an unprecedented demographic cliff."

Some critics raised concerns that the Ministry of National Defense's stance on the day suggests that national policy might be swayed by public opinion. As differences among lawmakers were revealed at the full NDC meeting, military service issues are sensitive matters that could cause major repercussions due to disputes over fairness and equity. Therefore, political coordination and legal and institutional support are necessary to reach social consensus, and it is inappropriate to use public opinion surveys as the standard for policy implementation.

As the controversy spread, the Ministry of National Defense issued an additional press release explaining, "Minister Lee's remarks were not to conduct the public opinion survey quickly, but to review the necessity and related details." It added, "If a public opinion survey is conducted, it will be carried out by a third-party institution, not the Ministry of National Defense or related agencies, to ensure fairness, and the survey results will be used as one reference for policy decisions." This appears to be a retreat from deciding policy solely based on public opinion surveys, instead using them as one of the reference materials.

However, criticism continues that the Ministry of National Defense stirred controversy with unrefined remarks and lack of preparation on an issue with significant social impact. Professor Namgung Seung-pil of the Military Studies Department at Woosuk University said, "The issue of military service benefits should not be decided by a public opinion survey as if it were a popularity vote." He pointed out, "The accuracy of public opinion surveys is also a problem, and similar debates could arise in other cultural and artistic fields or other sectors. Considering whether military service benefits would be decided by public opinion surveys in those cases, the standards become unclear and ambiguous."

He continued, "Conducting a public opinion survey based on some claims makes it difficult to persuade those with opposing views," emphasizing, "If military service benefits are to be granted, it should be viewed long-term and institutionally organized. Above all, since it can affect the morale of soldiers currently serving, it is necessary to approach and persuade in a way that does not cause feelings of alienation or deprivation."

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