After HYBE and Jin discussed BTS‘ military service in 2022, the topic has gained traction in South Korean political circles. Since last year, the possibility of Bangtan being exempted from complying with this procedure, mandatory for all South Korean citizens, has been discussed.
In the networks it is said that BTS could perform their military service for only one month. The regular time is from 18 to 24 months, depending on the modality. Since 2021, parliamentarians have suggested including Kpop artists (with specific standards) among those eligible for a listing exemption.
They would serve as cultural agents after completing four weeks of basic training. This is an alternative military service that currently applies to winners of classical music competitions and sports medalists in the Olympic Games and Asian Games.
🛑MILITARY ENLISTMENT UPDATES🛑
"In case of @BTS_twt has to go to the military service, they will only go for 1 month or so to do the basic training. After that, they will be able to come back work… "https://t.co/M5AaTk0Xbm
— BTS 007 (@army88738168) April 13, 2022
The main criterion for this exemption is having raised the country’s reputation abroad. The congressmen who support the modification argue that BTS’ achievements in international awards such as Billboard and the Grammys make them worthy of this benefit.
Last November, the debate in the National Defense Subcommittee did not reach a favorable conclusion, due to the polarization of opinions for and against. The National Defense Committee argued that no standard could be determined and that pop artists worked for personal gain in the first instance.
Currently, BTS is the beneficiary of an exceptional rule that allows them to postpone their enlistment until the age of 30. Jin reaches the age limit in December 2022, who in a press conference stated that he was leaving his military service in the hands of the HYBE agency, which urged the authorities to make a decision.
On April 12th, lawmaker Sung Il Jong of the PPP party and executive secretary of the Defense Committee in the National Assembly told MBC radio that the bill could be reviewed again in April. Sung commented that there was consensus with the opposition party to put the issue on the agenda as soon as possible.
“Since it is an issue related to equity and national interest, I don’t think there will be disagreement between the ruling and opposition parties”, the congressman said, according to Yonhap News.
Sung Il Jong reaffirmed in that interview that the criteria for exception should be the Billboard Awards, American Awards, and Grammy Awards.
