Members of the K-pop group BTS face possible military enlistment

Members of the K-pop group BTS face possible military enlistment


The South Korean military says it would be “desirable” for the musicians to fulfill their military duties

AP – The South Korean military seems to want to recruit members of the K-pop supergroup BTS for mandatory military duties, as the public remains strongly divided on whether to grant them exemptions.

Lee Ki Sik, military administration commissioner for human resources, told lawmakers on Friday that it is “desirable” that members of the BTS fulfill their military duties to ensure justice in the country’s military service.

Earlier this week, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup made nearly identical comments on the BTS at a parliamentary committee meeting, and Culture Minister Park Bo Gyoon said his ministry would soon finalize its position on the issue.

Whether the seven band members are to serve in the military is one of the hottest questions in South Korea because their oldest member, Jin, could be drafted early next year after turning 30 in December.

Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men are required to complete 18 to 21 months of military service. But the law provides special exemptions for athletes, classical and traditional musicians, dancers and other dancers who have won major awards in certain competitions that enhance national prestige.

Without a revision of the law, the government can take steps to grant special exemptions. But previous exemptions for people who performed well in undesigned competitions sparked serious debate over the fairness of the system.

As the bill obliges young people to suspend their professional careers or studies, evasion from military service or the creation of exemptions is a very sensitive issue.

In a recent survey, around 61% of respondents claimed exemptions for artists, while in another survey, around 54% said members of the BTS it should serve the armed forces.

Several amendments to the recruitment law that would pave the way for members of the BTS they were exempted they were introduced to the National Assembly, but they were not voted with very divided legislators on the issue.

Lee, the defense minister, previously said he ordered officials to consider conducting a public investigation to help determine if they would grant exemptions to the BTS. But the Defense Ministry later said it would not carry out such an investigation.

In August, Lee said that if the members of BTS enlisting in the army, he would likely be allowed to continue acting and join other BTS members who do not serve on group tours overseas.

Those exempt from enlistment are released from the military 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: Terra

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