The South Korean military is planning to enlist the members of K-pop “supergroup” BTS for mandatory military service, though the public is still sharply divided over whether they should be exempted or not.
Mr. Lee Ki Sik said that it would be “desirable” for the members of BTS to finish their military service so that there would be fairness among those who have to do military service in the country.
Earlier this week, at a parliamentary committee meeting, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup made comments about BTS. Culture Minister Park Bo Gyoon said that his ministry would finalize its position soon.
One of the most controversial topics in Korea is whether or not the members of BTS have to serve in the military. Jin, the oldest member, will be 30 in December and faces the possibility of enlisting early next year.
All healthy Korean men must serve in the military for 18-21 months, with a few exceptions. Athletes, classical and traditional musicians, ballet dancers, and winners of national competitions are exempt from this law.
The question of how to best deal with military service is a sensitive one, as it often forces young men to put their careers or education on hold. Some people try to avoid military service altogether, while others look for ways to get exemption from it.
In two different surveys, the majority of respondents showed support for BTS members being exempt from military service.
Amendments that would exempt BTS members from enlistment laws were introduced to Congress but were not voted on because lawmakers could not come to a consensus on the issue.
Although Defense Secretary Lee initially said a public survey would be conducted to help decide whether BTS should be exempt from military service, the Defense Department later announced that no such survey would take place.
Mr. Lee stated in August, that if members of BTS were to enlist, they would more than likely be allowed to continue practicing as well as joining other BTS members on overseas tours.
After three weeks of basic training, those who are exempt from military service are discharged from the army. They were also required to perform 544 hours of volunteer work and continue to serve in their areas of expertise for 34 months.
Image Credit: Republic of Korea, Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)