K-pop group fans are reportedly very worried btsthe South Korean military wants the supergang members as conscripts for perform military service necessary. The country’s population is very divided on whether to receive exceptions.
Lee Ki Sik, commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, told lawmakers on Friday that it is “desirable” for BTS members to perform their duties to ensure justice in the country’s military service.
Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup also made nearly identical comments on BTS at a parliamentary committee meeting this week.
To complete the picture of politicians’ opinion, Culture Minister Park Bo Gyoon said his ministry could soon take a stand on the matter.
great national debate
If the gang is to serve in the military it is one of the most debated topics in South Koreabecause their eldest member Jin could be drafted next year after turning 30 in December.
Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men must serve in the military between 18 and 21 months. But the law provides for possible exceptions for athletes, classical and traditional musicians, dancers or other specialties who have won important prizes in some competitions that increase national prestige.
The government can intervene to provide special exceptions. But the past exceptions for people who excelled in non-designated specialties sparked a serious debate about the fairness of the system.
Since military service forces young people to suspend their professional careers or studies, making exceptions to these duties is a very sensitive issue.
Polls for and against
In a recent survey, around 61% of respondents argued for exceptions for artists like BTS, while in another, around 54% said BTS members should be serving in the military.
Several amendments to the draft law that could pave the way for the exemption of BTS members have been tabled in the National Assembly, but have not been voted on by lawmakers who remain largely divided on the issue.
Defense Minister Lee previously said he ordered authorities to consider a possible public survey to help determine whether to grant exceptions to BTS. But the Defense Ministry later said it would not conduct such a consultation.
In August, Lee also said that if BTS members enlist in the military, they could continue to rehearse and accompany other off-duty BTS members on tour overseas.
Individuals not required to complete full military service are released after three weeks of basic training. They are also required to volunteer for 544 hours and continue serving in their professional fields for 34 months.
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Source: Clarin
