Contention Over 'BTS Military Service' at the Military Manpower Administration Audit Session

Minister of Military Manpower Lee Gi-sik at Audit: "BTS Military Service Desirable"
People Power Party: "Military Service Is Natural" VS Democratic Party: "Needs Consideration"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] Lee Gi-sik, Commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, stated, "I think it is desirable for BTS (the group Bangtan Sonyeondan) to also fulfill their military service." His opinion aligns with the response of Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop during the Ministry of National Defense audit on the 4th of this month.

On the 7th, at the Military Manpower Administration's audit held by the National Defense Committee at the National Assembly, Commissioner Lee responded to a question from Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the People Power Party, regarding BTS's military service by saying, "In a situation where military manpower is decreasing, fulfilling military duty is most importantly about fairness and equity."

Commissioner Lee has previously taken a cautious stance on granting special military service exemptions to BTS and maintained this position on the day. He explained, "Because there is a shortage of military personnel, we will create new physical examination standards that meet the level of ability required by the military so that they can serve actively. However, those with psychological issues such as psychiatric problems will be decisively given a Grade 5 classification to reduce the number of social service agents."

Meanwhile, members of the National Defense Committee expressed divided opinions such as "They must fulfill their duty" and "Why send them to the military and disband the group?"

Former General and member Han Ki-ho was the most proactive. He quoted lyrics from a BTS song that say "The military is something you go to when the time comes," stating, "They have declared their intention to fulfill their national duty," and added, "Because there has been much talk about fulfilling military service, they even made a song about it."

Han criticized proposals to amend military service laws to allow alternative service for BTS as 'heroic preaching.' He also said, "If military service is exempted, BTS-related stock prices will double, and those hoping for stock price increases are closely watching our National Defense Committee," adding, "Rather than giving BTS special military privileges, they should be given the privilege of serving."

Kim Ki-hyun said, "Although the (public opinion) ratio supporting BTS's special military service is higher, there are counterarguments regarding fairness and the morale of active-duty soldiers," and added, "While the proponent arguments have merit, I think more weight should be given to the counterarguments."

On the other hand, the Democratic Party argued that benefits such as alternative service and special military service should be considered.

Democratic Party member Seol Hoon said, "If BTS disbands, it would be a national loss. The general opinion is that BTS should be regarded and utilized as a national treasure," and added, "Why must they be sent to the military to disband the group? There are various methods such as alternative service agents and industrial service agents." Seol insisted, "If BTS enters military service, they will inevitably disband," and emphasized, "This should be viewed from a national perspective."

Kim Young-bae said, "From the Military Manpower Administration Commissioner's interview, there is a perception that 'pure arts are decided by authoritative judges, but popular arts are seen as popularity contests.' Can we lead MZ generation military administration with such a perception?" He continued, "The MZ generation says BTS's lyrics and rhythm touch their souls. Globally, BTS gives a tremendous message to humanity and is a major motive for studying Hangul, creating an actual craze," and asked, "Is there a concrete plan to reach social consensus on BTS's military service issue?"

In response, People Power Party member Lim Byung-heon said, "It is important to decide whether to prioritize BTS's economic effect or to impose military duty to widely promote fairness and equity in our society," and suggested, "The Military Manpower Administration should not delay the decision too long and should present persuasive opinions through objective research within this year."

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