Does BTS need any more qualifications to be considered eligible for alternative military service?
When will the discussion on BTS’s alternative military service, which is still postponed, take place?
Amidst keen interest in BTS’s military service exemption issue, Busan Mayor Park Hyung-joon posted a long article about applying the alternative military service system to BTS on his SNS account on August 18th. He emphasized, “Judging the fact that it would be impossible for the members to host the Busan Expo practically and actively unless their military service issue is resolved, I have made a proposal to the President”, adding “If BTS is subject to the alternative service system, they will take the national responsibility that is as much as military service.”
The controversy over BTS’s military service has emerged since 2018. The issue of equity in military service benefits, which does not apply to pop culture artists, was pointed out and heated discussions are still being raised. As the ripple effect of popular culture and arts on culture and the economy has recently become more significant, arguments that the equity of military service benefits should be guaranteed without discrimination is gaining momentum.
Until now, the alternative military services system has only been applied to people specialized in arts and sports. Those who win international and domestic competitions, rank 3rd and above in the Olympics, and rank 1st in the Asian Games are eligible to be transferred to do alternative services as art and sports personnel. 609 people in the field of classical music have been applied to the alternative service system, but there are no cases of artists specializing in popular art.
BTS has set back-to-back records and written new history for K-pop during the past few years. They have swept many overseas music charts, such as the U.S Billboard, and won lots of awards at prestige awards ceremonies every year. BTS members have contributed to the promotion of national prestige and culture greater than anyone else by continuing their steps as “private diplomats”, including giving three speeches at the U.N. General Assembly and a meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House.
However, discussions on military service exemption for them have been postponed just because there are currently no standards to determine. Also, the revision to the Military Service Act to allow pop culture artists to do alternative service as art and sports personnel is still pending in the National Assembly.
Just by looking at BTS’ achievements, their qualifications are overflowing. Considering the growing ripple effect of the pop culture industry, including BTS, as well as for hosting the Busan Expo, it is urgent to have a practical discussion on alternative military service for pop culture artists.
Source: daum
