National Defense Committee of the National Assembly: "60.9% Support for Alternative Service Transition for Popular Culture Artists Including BTS"

National Defense Committee Conducts Two-Day Public Opinion Survey: 34.3% Oppose
Among Opponents, 58.7% Support Guaranteeing Public Interest Performances

Singer BTS

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunju Lee] It has been found that 6 out of 10 citizens support the amendment to the Military Service Act that incorporates popular culture artists as arts and sports personnel.

On the 18th, the National Assembly Defense Committee conducted a public opinion survey from the 14th to 15th on the "consent to convert popular culture artists who promote national prestige to alternative service," targeting 1,018 adult men and women aged 18 and over. The results showed 60.9% in favor and 34.3% opposed.

Among respondents opposing the conversion to alternative service, 58.7% supported and 37.7% opposed a plan to allow enlistment in the military but guarantee performances for public interest.

The current Military Service Act allows individuals with special talents in arts and sports who have contributed to cultural development and national prestige?such as winning 2nd place in international arts competitions or 1st place in domestic arts competitions?to perform alternative service as arts and sports personnel for 34 months instead of military service.

Currently, the Defense Committee is reviewing an amendment to the Military Service Act that includes popular culture artists in the scope of arts and sports personnel. This survey was conducted prior to the review. It was carried out by comparing and selecting estimates and feasibility from three major public opinion survey companies to collect public opinion at the committee level and use it as reference for legislative policy.

Lee Heun-seung, Chair of the Defense Committee, stated, "This survey confirmed the public's interest in military service issues. As chair, I will do my best to conclude related discussions promptly, considering both fairness and equity in military service and national interests."

Among the survey participants, 49.6% (505 people) were male and 50.4% (513 people) were female. By age group, based on those aged 18 and over, 17.1% were under 29, 14.9% in their 30s, 18.4% in their 40s, 19.4% in their 50s, and 30.2% aged 60 and above, covering all age groups. The sampling error is ±3.07 percentage points (95% confidence level), with a response rate of 21.0%.

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